Policy watch
Minimum wage 2027: what is confirmed so far
The April 2027 legal rates have not been finalised. This page separates confirmed 2026 rates from the Low Pay Commission's provisional 2027 consultation context.
Current legal rates still apply
For current minimum wage checks, use the rates effective from 1 April 2026 until the government confirms the next set of rates.
21 and over
£12.71/hr
18 to 20
£10.85/hr
16 to 17
£8.00/hr
Apprentice
£8.00/hr
What the Low Pay Commission has said
The Low Pay Commission consultation for 2026 has closed. In its consultation letter, the LPC said it would recommend the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates to apply from April 2027 later in the year.
The consultation included an indicative National Living Wage range of £13.02 to £13.34 for April 2027, with a central estimate of £13.18. That range is not a legal rate and should not be used in pay checks until the final rates are confirmed.
18 to 20 alignment is still a policy direction
The government has restated its commitment to aligning the 18 to 20 National Minimum Wage with the National Living Wage over time. The pace and timing are still for the LPC to recommend, so the calculator keeps the current age bands until the next confirmed legal update.