What is the minimum wage?
The minimum wage is the lowest hourly pay an employer can legally give a worker in the UK. From April 2026 the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.71 an hour. Lower legal rates apply to 18 to 20 year olds, under 18s and apprentices.
The UK introduced a national minimum wage in April 1999. The top rate was renamed the National Living Wage in 2016. Each year the independent Low Pay Commission recommends new rates and the government decides. Rates normally change every April. Most workers count, including part-time, agency and casual staff. Genuinely self-employed people and company directors do not. Employers must keep pay records to prove they comply.
From 1 April 2026 the rate is £12.71 for those aged 21 and over. It is £10.85 for 18 to 20 year olds and £8.00 for 16 and 17 year olds. Apprentices under 19, or in their first year, also get £8.00. Paying less is illegal and HMRC can name employers and order back pay.
The legal minimum is different from the voluntary Real Living Wage. That higher rate is set by the Living Wage Foundation and paid by employers who sign up. The government has said it wants to end the lower rate for 18 to 20 year olds. Supporters say higher floors lift pay for millions. Business groups warn that fast rises can cut hours and hiring, especially in hospitality and retail.
The left tends to back faster rises and a single adult rate. It argues nobody should be paid less for the same job because of their age.
The right tends to warn that steep rises push up costs for small firms and can price young and low-skilled workers out of jobs.
Britain is split. Now you decide.
In Population Decides' Big Debates you can vote on paying the full adult minimum wage from 18 and see how businesses and young voters respond.
Play Population Decides freeCommon questions
What is the minimum wage for an 18 year old?
From April 2026 it is £10.85 an hour for workers aged 18 to 20.
Is the National Living Wage the same as the Real Living Wage?
No. The National Living Wage is the legal minimum. The Real Living Wage is a higher voluntary rate.
Who checks the minimum wage is paid?
HMRC enforces it. Workers can complain to HMRC or get free advice from Acas.