National Minimum Wage

The National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage are the UK’s statutory hourly pay floors.

They are not a US federal minimum wage, and they are not a discretionary “living wage” pledge by an employer. From 1 April 2026 the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.71 an hour. Lower bands apply for 18 to 20, under 18, and apprentices. Average pay across all hours worked must not fall below the applicable rate, including when overtime is unpaid or paid at the ordinary rate.

For a US reader, the nearest idea is the federal minimum wage, plus any higher state or city floor. The UK names both a National Minimum Wage and a National Living Wage; the Living Wage here is the 21-and-over band of the statutory scheme, not a separate campaign rate.