💷 NMW Rates 1 April 2026📈 £12.71 / Hr 21+ National Living Wage⚖️ Statutory Benchmark
UK National Minimum Wage Calculator 2026/27
Check your hourly pay against statutory National Minimum Wage rates effective 1 April 2026, evaluate apprentice rules, and compare against the voluntary Living Wage Foundation benchmarks.
Statutory Rates Effective 1 April 2026
21 and over: £12.71/hr | 18 to 20: £10.85/hr | 16 to 17: £8.00/hr | Apprentice rate: £8.00/hr.
Minimum Wage Benchmark Calculator
Evaluates statutory hourly entitlement, weekly/annual earnings, and Living Wage compliance
Minimum Wage Assessment Result
Statutory Rate
£12.71/hr
Legal FloorYour Pay Rate
£12.50/hr
UnderpaidReal Living Wage
£14.80/hr
Voluntary Target| Indicative Weekly Pay (37.5 hrs @ £12.50) | £468.75 |
| Indicative Annualised Pay (52 weeks) | £24,375.00 |
| Statutory Minimum Weekly Pay Floor | £476.63 |
| STATUTORY COMPLIANCE STATUS | FAILED (£0.21/hr Shortfall) |
Hourly Shortfall Detected: Paying £0.21 below the statutory £12.71 rate. Estimated annual underpayment: £409.50.
Statutory National Minimum Wage Rates 2026/27
| Worker Category / Age Band | Statutory Minimum Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| Aged 21 and Over (National Living Wage) | £12.71 / hour |
| Aged 18 to 20 | £10.85 / hour |
| Aged 16 to 17 | £8.00 / hour |
| Apprentice Rate (Under 19 or 1st Year) | £8.00 / hour |
Frequently Asked Questions (6 Detailed FAQs)
From 1 April 2026, the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.71 per hour. The 18 to 20 rate is £10.85, the 16 to 17 rate is £8.00, and the qualifying apprentice rate is £8.00.
The £8.00 apprentice rate applies to apprentices aged under 19, or apprentices aged 19 or over in the first year of their apprenticeship. Apprentices aged 19+ who completed year 1 are entitled to the minimum wage for their age.
The National Living Wage is a statutory requirement set by the UK Government (£12.71/hr). The real Living Wage is a voluntary rate set independently by the Living Wage Foundation (£13.45 UK / £14.80 London for 2025/26).
No. Under minimum wage law and the Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act, tips, gratuities, and service charges cannot be counted toward statutory National Minimum Wage pay.
Yes. Costs borne by the worker for required uniforms, tools, equipment, or mandatory training reduce the pay that counts towards National Minimum Wage compliance.
Employers must pay 100% of wage arrears plus HMRC financial penalties of up to 200% of underpaid wages (capped at £20,000 per worker) and public naming.
Official GOV.UK Sources
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Key 2026/27 Rates Summary
National Living Wage (21+)£12.71 / Hr
18–20 Rate£10.85 / Hr
16–17 / Apprentice£8.00 / Hr
Real Living Wage (London)£14.80 / Hr