Minimum wage from April 2027: the new rates
From 1 April 2027 the National Living Wage for anyone 21 or over goes up 50p to £13.21 an hour. The 18 to 20 rate goes to £11.27, and the 16 to 17 and apprentice rates go to £8.31. Each is a 3.9% rise. Until then, today's rates apply.
The rates from 1 April 2027
21 and over: £13.21
Up 50p from £12.71. On a 40-hour week that's £528.40 before deductions, £20 more than now.
18 to 20: £11.27
Up 42p from £10.85.
16 to 17 and apprentices: £8.31
Up 31p from £8.00. The apprentice rate is for apprentices under 19, or 19 and over in the first year of the apprenticeship. After that you're due the rate for your age.
Questions people ask
When does my pay change?
The new rates apply from 1 April 2027. Check the first payslip that covers work after that date: your hourly rate should be at least the new rate for your age.
Does it apply if I'm self-employed?
No. Self-employed people running their own business aren't entitled to the minimum wage. Employees and workers are, including agency and umbrella workers.
What's the accommodation offset?
If your employer gives you somewhere to live, they can count up to £11.53 a day of it towards the minimum wage from 1 April 2027.
What if I'm paid less?
Raise it with your employer first. If they don't put it right, you can complain to HMRC through gov.uk's pay and work rights service.
Where these facts come from
- LPC: LPC recommendations take the National Living Wage to £13.21
- gov.uk: National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates
- gov.uk: The National Minimum Wage, who gets the minimum wage
- gov.uk: Pay and work rights
- HMRC: Working through an umbrella company
This is a check against published rules, not legal or tax advice. If you're in a dispute, ACAS, a union or an adviser can act for you.