Government Announces Minimum Wage Increases from April 2026

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced that the government will raise the National Minimum Wage and the National Living Wage from April next year. The move is intended to offer additional support to those in lower-paid roles and to help with persistent cost-of-living pressures.

Below is a full breakdown of the upcoming changes:

National Minimum Wage (under 18s)

• Current rate: £7.55

• From April 2026: £8.00

• Increase: 45p

National Minimum Wage (18–20-year-olds)

• Current rate: £10.00

• From April 2026: £10.85

• Increase: 85p

National Living Wage (21 and over)

• Current rate: £12.21

• From April 2026: £12.71

• Increase: 50p

According to the Chancellor, these adjustments will benefit an estimated 2.7 million workers.

As the implementation date approaches, employers and employees alike will be watching closely to understand the impact of these changes on wages, staffing budgets, and the wider economy.