The goverment has announced new increase to the National Living Wage and Minimum Wage, Due to take effect from 1 April 2026

National Living Wage (21+)
Rising from £12.21 to £12.71
Worth up to £900 extra a year for full-time workers

18-20 year olds
Increasing from £10.00 to £10.85
Up to £1,500 more a year

16-17 year olds & apprentices
Going up from £7.55 to £8.00

These changes are part of the plan to narrow the gap between age groups and eventually create one single adult wage rate starting from age 18.

Reminder for employers:
Make sure your payroll system are updated ahead of 1 April 2026 to ensure employees are paid the correct rate.

As always, if you’d like support with payroll, budgeting, or understanding how the changes affect your business, get in touch – our team are here to help.