National Living Wage Rises to £13.21 From April 2027: New UK Minimum Wage Rates

5 min read October 2026Pravasi Editorial

The UK National Living Wage rises from £12.71 to £13.21 an hour in April 2027, a 3.9% increase confirmed in the 28 October 2026 Budget. Here are the new rates for every age group, what they mean per week and per year, and how to check you are being paid correctly.

The new rates from April 2027

The government has accepted the Low Pay Commission's recommendations in full. From April 2027 the hourly rates are: aged 21 and over (National Living Wage) £13.21, up from £12.71; aged 18 to 20 £11.27, up from £10.85; under 18 £8.31, up from £8.00; and apprentices £8.31, up from £8.00. Every rate rises by 3.9%. Until April 2027, the current rates still apply.

What it means per week and per year

For someone aged 21 or over working 37.5 hours a week, £13.21 an hour is about £495 a week before tax, or about £25,760 a year. That is £975 a year more than at today's rate of £12.71. On 40 hours a week it is about £528 a week, or about £27,480 a year. For an 18 to 20-year-old working 37.5 hours at £11.27, it is about £423 a week, or about £21,980 a year. These are gross figures — your take-home pay will be lower after income tax, National Insurance and any pension contributions.

Who is entitled to it

You are entitled to the National Minimum Wage once you are over school leaving age, and to the National Living Wage from age 21. It applies to workers whatever their nationality or visa — including students working part-time, Graduate visa holders and sponsored workers. Apprentices get the apprentice rate if they are under 19, or 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship; after the first year, apprentices aged 19 or over must get the minimum wage for their age.

Working on a Student visa

If you are on a Student visa, your employer must still pay you at least the minimum wage for your age, but you also have to stay within the working hours allowed by your visa — for most degree-level students that is up to 20 hours a week during term time. Check the conditions on your own visa before you accept extra shifts: breaking them can put your visa at risk.

How to check you are being paid correctly

Divide your pay for a pay period by the hours you actually worked in it. Include time you are required to be at work — such as compulsory training or waiting for work on site — and remember that deductions for things like uniforms or tools can push your pay below the legal minimum. If you think you are underpaid, raise it with your employer first, then contact Acas for free, confidential advice, or report it to HMRC. Employers who underpay can be ordered to pay back arrears and fined, and you cannot be lawfully dismissed for asserting your right to the minimum wage.

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Where to check

This guide reflects the GOV.UK announcement of 28 October 2026 and the National Minimum Wage rates page as of 30 October 2026. Always check gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates for the current figures.

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