National Minimum Wage Compliance Checker
Rates effective: 1 April 2026National Minimum Wage Act 1998No sign-up required
Frequently asked questions
What is the National Minimum Wage in 2026?
From 1 April 2026, the National Living Wage (NLW) for workers aged 21 and over is £12.71 per hour. The NMW rate for workers aged 18–20 is £10.85/hour, the under-18 rate is £8.00/hour, and the apprentice rate is £8.00/hour. These rates are set under the National Minimum Wage Act 1998 following the Low Pay Commission recommendation.
What is the difference between the National Living Wage and the National Minimum Wage?
The National Living Wage (NLW) is the statutory minimum for workers aged 21 and over. It was introduced in April 2016, originally for workers aged 25+, and the age threshold was lowered to 21 in April 2024. The National Minimum Wage (NMW) is the term used for the statutory minimums for workers under 21 and apprentices. Both are set under the National Minimum Wage Act 1998.
What is the apprentice NMW rate?
The apprentice rate of £8.00/hour applies to an apprentice who is either (a) under 19 years old, or (b) in the first year of their apprenticeship, regardless of age. An apprentice aged 19 or over who has completed their first year of apprenticeship is entitled to the full NMW or NLW rate applicable to their age. Paying the apprentice rate to a qualifying apprentice who has passed their first year is an NMW violation.
What happens if an employer pays below the National Minimum Wage?
Employers who fail to pay the NMW or NLW can face back-pay orders, a financial penalty of up to 200% of the underpayment (capped at £20,000 per worker), and public naming by HMRC. HMRC enforces NMW compliance and can investigate on a complaint or on a proactive basis. Employers are also responsible for keeping accurate wage records.
Are there any exceptions to the National Minimum Wage?
The NMW and NLW apply to almost all workers in England, Scotland, and Wales. The main categories excluded are: the genuinely self-employed, workers under school leaving age, family members working in a family business, company directors who do not have a worker contract, volunteers, and those on certain government schemes. Interns and work experience placements may be entitled to NMW depending on whether they are classified as workers.
Does the National Minimum Wage apply to salaried workers?
Yes. For salaried workers, NMW compliance is checked by dividing the annual salary by the total hours worked in the year. If the resulting hourly rate falls below the applicable NMW/NLW rate, the employer is in breach. Unpaid overtime and mandatory training time that brings the effective hourly rate below NMW is a common source of violations.