It's confirmed: the minimum wage goes to £13.21 an hour next April
Every rate goes up 3.9%, including for 16 and 17 year olds and apprentices. Here's what you'll be on.
The Government has confirmed the new minimum wage rates for April 2027, accepting the Low Pay Commission's advice in full. The figure for over-21s has landed at £13.21, a penny above what was expected earlier in the week.
Your new minimum rate from April 2027 - 21 and over: £13.21 an hour (up 50p). - 18 to 20: £11.27 (up 42p). - 16 and 17: £8.31 (up 31p). - Apprentices: £8.31 (up 31p). This applies if you're under 19, or in the first year of your apprenticeship. After that you move to the rate for your age.
If you live in staff accommodation: your employer can count up to £11.53 a day towards the minimum wage. This is called the accommodation offset.
Worth knowing: the national living wage is the legal minimum. The real Living Wage and London Living Wage are different, voluntary rates that some employers choose to pay.
On your next shift: nothing changes until April. Note your birthday against that date, because moving from 20 to 21 means a jump of almost £2 an hour. When April comes, check your first payslip shows the new rate.
Source: Low Pay Commission (GOV.UK) (opens in a new tab)
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