How much is the minimum wage?

The official minimum rates of pay rose for 2.7 million workers on 1 April.

The rate for workers aged 21 and over is called the National Living Wage, while those aged 18 to 20 are paid the National Minimum Wage.

From 1 April 2026, workers over 21 on the National Living Wage are paid £12.71 an hour, 50p more than in 2025.

For someone working full time (37.5 hours a week), that amounts to £24,784.50 a year - an increase of £900.

The rate for 18 to 20-year-olds has gone up to £10.85 an hour.

It amounts to an increase of £1,500 a year for a full-time worker.

The government said its goal is to eventually scrap this separate rate for 18 to 20-year-olds, and have one rate for all adults.

The minimum wage for 16 and 17-year-olds has also risen to £8 an hour.