National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates
The hourly rate for the minimum wage depends on your age and whether you’re an apprentice.
This page is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).
You must be at least:
- school leaving age to get the National Minimum Wage
- aged 21 to get the National Living Wage - the minimum wage will still apply for workers aged 20 and under
Current rates
The rates change on 1 April every year.
| 21 and over | 18 to 20 | Under 18 | Apprentice | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 2026 | £12.71 | £10.85 | £8 | £8 |
Apprentices
Apprentices are entitled to the apprentice rate if they’re either:
- aged under 19
- aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship
Example
An apprentice aged 21 in the first year of their apprenticeship is entitled to a minimum hourly rate of £8.
Apprentices are entitled to the minimum wage for their age if they both:
- are aged 19 or over
- have completed the first year of their apprenticeship
Example
An apprentice aged 21 who has completed the first year of their apprenticeship is entitled to a minimum hourly rate of £12.71.
We are located at:
Steer Acccountancy
Basepoint
Shearway Business Centre
Shearway Road
Folkestone
Kent
CT19 4RH
Contact us today!
Email : If you have any queries or wish to make an appointment, please contact us:
Tel: 01303 316036
enquiries@steeracc.co.uk
Or use our contact us page
Share
Print 