The government has confirmed the new minimum wage rates following Chancellor John Healey's Budget announcement, with the national minimum wage and national living wage set to increase by 3.9% for 2.3 million workers from April 2027.
The hourly rate for adults aged 21 and over will rise from £12.71 to £13.21, a 50p increase. The national minimum wage is the minimum pay per hour almost all workers are entitled to, while the national living wage, which is higher, applies to workers aged 21 and over.
Chancellor's announcement in Parliament
Mr Healey opened his Budget statement by saying it was for "the working people of Britain", before discussing a range of topics including changes to the minimum wage.
Speaking in Parliament, the Chancellor said: "For 2.3 million of our lowest paid workers, I am increasing both the national minimum wage and the national living wage by 3.9%."
Full list of new minimum wage rates
- 21 and over: £13.21 (50p increase)
- 18-20: £11.27 (42p increase)
- 16-17: £8.31 (31p increase)
- Apprentice rate: £8.31 (31p increase)
The changes will take effect from April 2027, affecting millions of workers across the UK.
