What is the UK National Living Wage rate for 2025/2026?

The statutory UK National Living Wage rate for workers aged 21 and over is £12.21 per hour (£12.71 from April 2026). The voluntary Real Living Wage is £13.45 across the UK and £14.80 in London.

What happens if a UK employer pays under the National Minimum Wage?

Paying below the National Minimum Wage is illegal in the UK. HMRC enforces backpay arrears with financial penalties of up to 200% of the underpayment owed to workers.

What is the UK National Living Wage rate for 2025/2026?

The statutory UK National Living Wage rate for workers aged 21 and over is £12.21 per hour (£12.71 from April 2026). The voluntary Real Living Wage is £13.45 across the UK and £14.80 in London.

What happens if a UK employer pays under the National Minimum Wage?

Paying below the National Minimum Wage is illegal in the UK. HMRC enforces backpay arrears with financial penalties of up to 200% of the underpayment owed to workers.

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HMRC Statutory NMW Rates 2025/2026 Verified

UK National Minimum Wage & Living Wage Calculator

Test your hourly pay against statutory HMRC National Minimum Wage (£12.21/hr) and voluntary London Real Living Wage (£14.80/hr).

⚡ Statutory UK Pay Rates (2025/2026):

• National Living Wage (Aged 21+): £12.21 / hour.
• Aged 18 to 20 Rate: £10.00 / hour.
• Under 18 & Apprentice Rate: £7.55 / hour.
• Real Living Wage (Voluntary): £13.45 / hour (UK-wide) / £14.80 / hour (Greater London).

Minimum Wage Compliance Evaluator

GOV.UK VerifiedOfficial UK Government References & Legal Sources

• GOV.UK National Minimum Wage & Living Wage Rates: gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates
• Living Wage Foundation Official Rates: livingwage.org.uk/rates

Statutory NMW Rates

NLW (Aged 21+)£12.21 / hr

Aged 18 to 20£10.00 / hr

London Real Living£14.80 / hr