National Minimum Wage & National Living Wage

Every worker in the UK is entitled to fair compensation for their labour. The law sets compulsory minimum hourly pay rates to make sure you receive proper pay for every hour you work. Checking these rates against your payslips helps ensure your employer is paying you correctly.

Understanding Minimum Wage Rates

The UK operates two levels of statutory minimum pay. The National Living Wage applies to workers aged 21 and over, while the National Minimum Wage covers workers under 21 and apprentices. These rates are updated every April based on recommendations from the independent Low Pay Commission.

National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage Rates (from 1 April 2026):

| Age / Category | Hourly Rate | | 21 and over (National Living Wage) | £12.71 | | 18 to 20 years old | £10.85 | | 16 to 17 years old | £8.00 | | Apprentice | £8.00 |

Who Qualifies for Minimum Wage?

Almost all UK workers are legally entitled to receive the statutory minimum rate for their age group. This includes full-time and part-time employees, agency workers, casual staff, zero-hours contract workers, and trainees.

Self-employed individuals, company directors, and genuine volunteers are not covered by minimum wage legislation.

Apprentices under age 19, or those aged 19 and over in the first year of their apprenticeship, are paid the apprentice rate. Apprentices aged 19 or over who have completed their first year must be paid the full minimum wage rate for their age category.

How Minimum Wage Is Calculated

Your average hourly pay is calculated over your regular pay reference period, which matches your pay cycle (for example, weekly or monthly). Total pay divided by total hours worked in that period must equal or exceed the applicable statutory rate.

Working time includes:

• All time spent carrying out your core job duties
• Time spent on mandatory training or work-related courses
• Time spent opening, setting up, or closing down the workplace
• Travelling time between client appointments or work sites during the day
• Time spent waiting at work when required to do so

Tips, gratuities, and discretionary service charges cannot be counted towards minimum wage pay. Employers cannot make deductions for uniforms, tools, or equipment if doing so drops your average hourly wage below the legal minimum.

What to Do If You Are Being Underpaid

If you notice a shortfall in your pay, speak to your employer or payroll department first, as it could be an administrative error. If the issue is not resolved, you can check your rights through the GOV.UK minimum wage guide or consult Citizens Advice check your pay guide. You can also report underpayment confidentially to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) or submit a claim to an Employment Tribunal for unlawful deduction from wages.