What will the UK National Living Wage be for workers aged 21 and over from 1 April 2026?
From 1 April 2026, the UK National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is GBP 12.71 per hour, while workers aged 18 to 20 earn GBP 10.85 per hour. Older student pay figures below this rate are now below the legal minimum for most workers.
From 1 April 2026, you can expect the UK National Living Wage to be GBP 12.71 per hour if you are 21 or older, and GBP 10.85 per hour if you are aged 18 to 20. Any part-time role paying less than this falls below the legal minimum for most workers.
UK Minimum Pay Rates From April 2026
| Age Group | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| 21 and over | GBP 12.71 |
| 18 to 20 | GBP 10.85 |
Why This Matters for Your Part-Time Budget
Older estimates of student earnings, sometimes quoted as a flat range for common campus and retail roles, no longer reflect the updated legal minimum. When you compare job offers, check the hourly rate against these current figures rather than relying on outdated numbers from older guides.
My Advice
Before accepting any part-time job in the UK, confirm the hourly rate meets or beats GBP 12.71, or GBP 10.85 if you are under 21. If an employer offers less, you are within your rights to ask why, since this is a legal minimum, not a suggestion.
How much will a month in the UK cost you?
Rent, food and travel. A real monthly budget, city by city.
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