UK Minimum Wage 2025/26: Hourly Rates, Take-Home Pay & Your Rights
Everything you need to know about the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage in the UK — current rates, upcoming changes from April 2026, what you'll actually take home after tax, and your rights as a worker.
Quick Summary: UK Minimum Wage Rates
NLW 2025/26 (21+)
£12.21/hr
From April 2025
NLW from Apr 2026
£12.71/hr
50p increase
Real Living Wage
£12.60/hr
£13.85 London
The UK minimum wage affects millions of workers across the country. Whether you're starting your first job, returning to work, or simply checking that your employer is paying you correctly, understanding the current rates and how they translate into real take-home pay is essential.
In this guide, we break down every minimum wage rate for 2025/26, show you what's changing from April 2026, explain the difference between the statutory minimum and the voluntary Real Living Wage, and calculate exactly what you'll take home after tax and National Insurance.
National Living Wage & Minimum Wage Rates
The UK government sets statutory minimum hourly pay rates each April. The National Living Wage (NLW) applies to workers aged 21 and over, while the National Minimum Wage (NMW) covers younger workers and apprentices at lower rates.
| Age / Status | 2025/26 Rate | 2026/27 Rate | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 and over (NLW) | £12.21 | £12.71 | +£0.50 (4.1%) |
| 18–20 | £10.00 | £10.85 | +£0.85 (8.5%) |
| 16–17 | £7.55 | £8.00 | +£0.45 (6.0%) |
| Apprentice† | £7.55 | £8.00 | +£0.45 (6.0%) |
†Apprentice rate applies if under 19 or in the first year of their apprenticeship. After the first year, apprentices aged 19+ receive the age-based rate.
These rates are set by the government based on recommendations from the Low Pay Commission. For the latest official rates, visit GOV.UK National Minimum Wage Rates.
What Is the Real Living Wage?
The Real Living Wage is a separate, voluntary rate calculated by the Living Wage Foundation based on what people actually need to meet everyday living costs like housing, food, and transport. It is independently calculated each year and is higher than the government's National Living Wage.
Real Living Wage rates (2024/25)
UK (outside London)
£12.60/hour
London
£13.85/hour
Over 14,000 UK employers have chosen to become accredited Living Wage employers, including many household names. The key differences between the two wages are:
- National Living Wage — set by the government, legally required, applies to workers aged 21+
- Real Living Wage — set by the Living Wage Foundation, voluntary, based on actual cost of living, includes a London weighting
If your employer pays the Real Living Wage, you'll earn £0.39 more per hour than the statutory minimum in 2025/26 — that's an extra £760 a year for a full-time worker. In London, the difference is even larger at £1.64 per hour, or over £3,198 per year.
Take-Home Pay at Minimum Wage
Knowing your hourly rate is one thing — knowing what you actually take home after income tax and National Insurance is what really matters. The table below shows approximate annual take-home pay for a full-time worker on a 37.5-hour week with a standard 1257L tax code, no pension, and no student loan.
| Rate | Annual Gross | Income Tax | National Insurance | Annual Take-Home | Monthly Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NLW 2025/26 (£12.21) | £23,810 | £2,248 | £1,347 | £20,215 | £1,685 |
| NLW 2026/27 (£12.71) | £24,785 | £2,443 | £1,425 | £20,917 | £1,743 |
| Real Living Wage (£12.60) | £24,570 | £2,400 | £1,408 | £20,762 | £1,730 |
| London Living Wage (£13.85) | £27,008 | £2,888 | £1,603 | £22,517 | £1,876 |
Figures based on 37.5 hours/week, 52 weeks/year, 2025/26 tax rates (20% basic rate, 8% employee NI above threshold). Assumes standard 1257L tax code.
Want to see the exact breakdown for your own situation? Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed figure, or try the hourly wage calculator to convert between annual salary and hourly rates.
Historical Minimum Wage Rates
The National Living Wage was introduced in April 2016 at £7.20 per hour. It has risen significantly over the past six years, reflecting the government's target to reach two-thirds of median earnings.
| Tax Year | NLW (21+) | 18–20 Rate | Annual Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026/27 | £12.71 | £10.85 | +4.1% |
| 2025/26 | £12.21 | £10.00 | +6.7% |
| 2024/25 | £11.44 | £8.60 | +9.8% |
| 2023/24 | £10.42 | £7.49 | +9.7% |
| 2022/23 | £9.50 | £6.83 | +6.6% |
| 2021/22 | £8.91 | £6.56 | +2.2% |
| 2020/21 | £8.72 | £6.45 | +6.2% |
Over the past six years, the NLW has increased by nearly £4 per hour — a rise of over 45%. The largest single increase came in 2024/25 at 9.8%, when the government brought the age threshold down from 23 to 21.
Your Rights as a Minimum Wage Worker
The National Minimum Wage is the law. Every employer in the UK must pay at least the minimum rate for your age group. Here are your key rights:
- Right to an itemised payslip — all workers are entitled to a payslip showing gross pay, deductions, and net pay. This helps you verify your hourly rate.
- No deductions below the minimum — your employer cannot make deductions (for uniforms, cash shortages, etc.) that would bring your pay below the NMW. This is a common area where employers fall foul of the law.
- Tips and service charges don't count — tips, gratuities, and service charges cannot be used to make up minimum wage pay. Your base hourly rate must meet the legal minimum before tips are added.
- Travel time may count as working time — if you travel between work assignments (not commuting), this time should be paid at least at the NMW rate.
- HMRC enforcement — HM Revenue & Customs enforces minimum wage law. Employers who underpay can face fines of up to 200% of the underpayment (capped at £20,000 per worker) and be publicly named.
- No retaliation — it is illegal for your employer to dismiss you or treat you unfairly for asserting your right to the minimum wage.
For full details on your rights, visit GOV.UK National Minimum Wage or contact the ACAS helpline for free, confidential advice.
What to Do If You're Being Underpaid
If you suspect your employer is paying you less than the minimum wage, here's what to do:
Check your payslip carefully
Divide your gross pay by the total hours you worked that pay period. Remember to include any time spent on mandatory training, opening and closing, or travelling between sites. If the resulting hourly rate is below the minimum for your age, you may be underpaid.
Raise it with your employer
Sometimes underpayment is a genuine payroll error. Speak to your manager or HR department first. Keep a record of any conversations in writing.
Contact HMRC
If your employer doesn't resolve the issue, you can report them to HMRC's National Minimum Wage helpline on 0800 917 2368. You can make a complaint anonymously. HMRC investigates all complaints and can order employers to pay back wages.
Get free advice from ACAS
The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) provides free, impartial advice on workplace disputes. Call their helpline on 0300 123 1100.
For more information on reporting underpayment, visit GOV.UK Pay and Work Rights.
Calculate Your Hourly Rate
Whether you're on minimum wage or earning more, find out exactly what your hourly rate works out to after tax.
Use the Hourly Wage Calculator