Headline: UK Minimum Wage Increases to £12.71 an Hour for Millions of Workers

Headline: UK Minimum Wage Increases to £12.71 an Hour for Millions of Workers

Date: 1 April 2026

Tags: Economy, Business, Employment, UK

Summary:

• UK minimum wage rates increased from 1 April 2026, benefiting millions of workers.

• National Living Wage rose 4.1% to £12.71 per hour for those aged 21+.

• Around 2.4 million low-paid workers expected to benefit from the increase.

• Full-time workers could earn about £900 more annually under new rates.

• Minimum wage for 18–20-year-olds increased 8.5% to £10.85 per hour.

• Pay for 16–17-year-olds and apprentices rose 6% to £8 per hour.

• Government aims to move toward a single adult wage rate over time.

• Rachel Reeves said changes address cost-of-living pressures.

• Total of 2.7 million workers, including young people, expected to benefit.

• Some business leaders warn higher wages could increase costs and reduce hiring.

What’s next: Businesses and government will monitor impacts on hiring, inflation, and potential future wage and tax policy changes.