The rates change on 1 April every year. If you are paid less, you can complain to HMRC.
Quick facts
- 21 and over
- £12.71 an hour
- 18 to 20
- £10.85 an hour
- Under 18
- £8 an hour
- Apprentice
- £8 an hour
- Paid holiday
- 5.6 weeks a year
Minimum wage from April 2026
You must be at least school leaving age to get the National Minimum Wage, and aged 21 to get the National Living Wage.
- 21 and over: £12.71
- 18 to 20: £10.85
- Under 18: £8
- Apprentice: £8
Apprentices are entitled to the apprentice rate if they’re either aged under 19 or aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship.
An apprentice aged 21 who has completed the first year of their apprenticeship is entitled to a minimum hourly rate of £12.71.
Paid holiday
Most workers who work a 5-day week must receive at least 28 days’ paid annual leave a year. This is the equivalent of 5.6 weeks of holiday.
Part-time workers who work regular hours for the whole year are entitled to at least 5.6 weeks’ paid holiday, but this will amount to fewer than 28 days.
For example, if they work 3 days a week, they must get at least 16.8 days’ leave a year (3 × 5.6).
Statutory paid holiday entitlement is limited to 28 days.
Bank holidays
Bank or public holidays do not have to be given as paid leave.
An employer can choose to include bank holidays as part of a worker’s statutory annual leave.
Northern Ireland
The minimum wage is the same across the UK. For holiday and other rights in Northern Ireland see pay and holiday rights in Northern Ireland.
Common questions
What is the minimum wage in 2026?
From April 2026: £12.71 an hour at 21 and over, £10.85 at 18 to 20, and £8 for under 18s and apprentices.
How much paid holiday do I get?
5.6 weeks a year. On a 5-day week that is at least 28 days.
Do I get bank holidays off with pay?
Not necessarily. Bank or public holidays do not have to be given as paid leave.
What if I work part-time?
You still get 5.6 weeks, so 3 days a week means at least 16.8 days a year.