The National Living Wage (NLW) from 1 April 2026 is £12.71 per hour — the legally enforceable minimum for all workers aged 21 and over, set by the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Regulations 2026. The NLW is not a separate legal entitlement from the National Minimum Wage: it is the highest rate band within the NMW framework established by the National Minimum Wage Act 1998. The age threshold has been 21 since April 2024. Updated June 2026.
Source: National Minimum Wage Act 1998; National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Regulations 2026; acas.org.uk/national-minimum-wage.
What the law says
The National Minimum Wage Act 1998 gives the Secretary of State power to set minimum wage rates by regulation. The rates — including the NLW — are reviewed annually by the independent Low Pay Commission, and new rates come into force on 1 April each year under the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Regulations.
The term "National Living Wage" was introduced in April 2016 to describe the higher rate paid to older workers. It is not defined separately in the NMW Act — it is a government label for the top-band NMW rate. Source: gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates.
NLW versus NMW: the full rate table
| Worker category | Rate from 1 April 2026 |
|---|---|
| National Living Wage (aged 21 and over) | £12.71/hr |
| National Minimum Wage (aged 18–20) | £10.85/hr |
| National Minimum Wage (under 18, not an apprentice) | £8.00/hr |
| Apprentice rate | £8.00/hr |
All rates effective from 1 April 2026. Source: National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Regulations 2026; gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates.
How the NLW age threshold has changed
The NLW was introduced in April 2016, initially applying only to workers aged 25 and over. The age threshold has been progressively reduced:
| Date | Age threshold |
|---|---|
| April 2016 (introduction) | 25 and over |
| April 2021 | 23 and over |
| April 2024 | 21 and over |
| April 2026 (current) | 21 and over (unchanged) |
The reduction to 21 in April 2024 was a significant change — it brought approximately 800,000 additional workers onto the higher NLW rate. The threshold has remained at 21 since. Source: gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates.
NLW versus the voluntary Real Living Wage
The statutory NLW (£12.71/hr from April 2026) should not be confused with the Living Wage Foundation's voluntary "Real Living Wage." These are two different things:
| Statutory NLW | Living Wage Foundation rate | |
|---|---|---|
| Set by | Government regulation | Independent Living Wage Foundation |
| Legal status | Enforceable minimum | Voluntary recommendation |
| Basis | Low Pay Commission recommendation | Cost-of-living calculation |
| Current rate (2026) | £12.71/hr (UK-wide) | Higher than statutory NLW (London rate higher still) |
Employers who pay the voluntary Real Living Wage can seek accreditation from the Living Wage Foundation. There is no legal obligation to do so. The statutory NLW is the legal floor — the voluntary rate is above it. Source: acas.org.uk/national-minimum-wage.
How the NLW applies in practice
The NLW applies to all workers aged 21 and over, regardless of:
- Hours worked (full-time, part-time, casual, or zero-hours).
- Employment sector (private, public, or third sector).
- Whether they are on a fixed-term or permanent contract.
It applies to employees and workers — including agency workers, home workers, and most casual workers. It does not apply to the genuinely self-employed. From 7 April 2026, the Fair Work Agency enforces NLW compliance, with powers to require back-payment, issue penalty notices up to £20,000 per worker, and refer cases for criminal prosecution. Source: NMW Act 1998, ss.1 and 19–19H.
Check NMW compliance
Use the free NMW compliance calculator to check whether a wage rate meets the national minimum or living wage for the relevant age band. No sign-up required.
Frequently asked questions
See the FAQ below. For NMW queries, see ACAS or GOV.UK at gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates.
Back to NMW compliance.