Welcome to the new tax year. As of today, 1st April 2026, a series of fiscal changes are now in effect, and for SME owners and company directors, few are...
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UK Minimum Wage Calculator: Checking Compliance With The April 2026 Tax Year
Know your rights and meet your legal obligations. Verify the statutory UK pay rates for every age group this tax year.
⊛ 1 min read | By Alan Davidson | November 2025
Home > Calculators & Tools > Tax & Salary Planning > UK Minimum Wage Calculator
Common Questions About Minimum Wage
What is the UK minimum wage for 21 year olds?
As of April 2025, workers aged 21 and over are entitled to the full National Living Wage (NLW). The eligibility age was lowered from 23, meaning 21 and 22-year-olds now receive the standard adult rate rather than the lower "21-22" bracket. From April 2026 for people aged 21+, the minimum wage will be £12.71 per hour (up from £12.21).
Does the National Living Wage apply to apprentices?
Not automatically. Apprentices are entitled to the specific Apprentice Rate if they are either aged under 19, OR aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship. If you are 19+ and have completed your first year, you must be paid the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage for your age group.
How do I check if I am being paid correctly?
To ensure compliance, you need to check your gross pay against the current statutory rates for your specific age bracket. The most accurate method is to use a compliance tool like our UK Minimum Wage Calculator above, which automatically adjusts for age categories and tax years to highlight any underpayment.
Take the Statutory Compliance Check Now
Whether you’re an employer or an employee, understanding the minimum wage rules is vital. Our calculator guide ensures you have all the necessary information at your fingertips.
Click below to take our quick assessment to see where your business is at.
UK National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) calculations.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alan Davidson FCA
Chartered Accountant | Author
Alan is the author of “Achieve your Business Vision” and a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (FCA). With over 30 years of experience, he has advised hundreds of SME owners on strategic financial planning and business growth.
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