UK National Minimum Wage Changes from April 2026 – What Employers Need to Know
- beehappypayroll
- Mar 11
- 2 min read
From 1 April 2026, new UK National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) rates will come into effect. These annual changes ensure that minimum pay keeps pace with earnings and the cost of living.
For employers, it’s important to review employee pay rates and payroll systems to make sure they remain compliant with the latest legislation.
At Bee Happy Payroll, I help businesses stay up to date with payroll legislation so these updates are implemented smoothly and correctly.
New UK Minimum Wage Rates from April 2026
The UK government has confirmed the following hourly minimum wage rates effective from 1 April 2026:
Age Group | Hourly Rate from April 2026 |
National Living Wage (Age 21 and over) | £12.71 |
18–20 Year Old Rate | £10.85 |
16–17 Year Old Rate | £8.00 |
Apprentice Rate | £8.00 |
Accommodation Offset | £11.10 per day |
The National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over increases from £12.21 to £12.71, representing a 4.1% increase.
What This Means for Employers
If you employ staff paid at or near the minimum wage, you will need to ensure their pay is updated from the first pay period starting on or after 1 April 2026.
Employers should review:
Employee hourly pay rates
Payroll software or payroll processes
Employees moving into a new age band (for example turning 18 or 21)
Apprentice pay eligibility and rates
Annual salaries to ensure they still meet minimum hourly pay requirements
Even if your business already pays above the minimum wage, it may still be worth reviewing pay structures to maintain fair pay differences across your team.
How Bee Happy Payroll Can Support Your Business
Payroll legislation changes every year, and keeping up with updates can take valuable time away from running your business.
At Bee Happy Payroll, I support my clients by:
✔ Ensuring payroll reflects the latest minimum wage legislation✔ Updating employee pay rates in line with legal requirements✔ Helping businesses remain compliant with HMRC regulations✔ Answering any payroll questions or concerns throughout the year
My aim is to make payroll simple, accurate, and stress-free so you can focus on running your business.
Need Help with the April 2026 Payroll Changes?
If you’re unsure how the UK minimum wage increase in April 2026 will affect your payroll or staffing costs, I’m here to help.
Whether you’re an existing client or a business looking for reliable payroll support, feel free to get in touch.
Contact Bee Happy Payroll today to make sure your payroll is ready for the April 2026 changes.
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