UK Minimum Wage Rise September 2026: Latest Rates & 2027 Update

The UK minimum wage rise September 2026 does not represent a new September increase because the latest statutory minimum wage rates came into effect on 1 April 2026. The National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is currently £12.71 per hour, while different rates apply to younger workers and eligible apprentices.

For workers and employers checking their pay in September 2026, these April 2026 rates remain the applicable minimum rates. The next scheduled change is expected in April 2027, with the Low Pay Commission currently working on its recommendations for the Government.

UK Minimum Wage Rates in September 2026

The current statutory rates are:

Worker category	Minimum hourly rate from 1 April 2026
Age 21 and over	£12.71
Age 18 to 20	£10.85
Under 18	£8.00
Eligible apprentices	£8.00

These rates are confirmed by the UK Government and apply from 1 April 2026. The National Living Wage rate for workers aged 21 and over increased by 50 pence, or 4.1%, from the previous rate of £12.21.

Did the UK Minimum Wage Rise in September 2026?

No. There is no separate minimum wage increase scheduled for September 2026.

The major 2026 increase took effect on 1 April 2026. The Government accepted the Low Pay Commission's recommendations in full, resulting in the National Living Wage increasing to £12.71 per hour.

This means employees checking their wages in September 2026 should generally use the rates introduced in April, provided they meet the relevant age and apprenticeship conditions.

How Much Did the Minimum Wage Increase in 2026?

The size of the increase depended on the worker's category.

For workers aged 21 and over, the National Living Wage increased from £12.21 to £12.71 per hour, an increase of 50 pence or 4.1%.

For workers aged 18 to 20, the minimum rate increased by 85 pence to £10.85 per hour, representing an 8.5% increase.

The rate for workers aged 16 and 17 increased by 45 pence to £8.00, while the eligible apprentice rate also increased by 45 pence to £8.00.

Why Did the UK Minimum Wage Increase in 2026?

The Low Pay Commission recommends minimum wage rates after considering factors including earnings, inflation, living costs, employment conditions, the labour market and the Government's target for the National Living Wage.

For 2026, the Commission recommended a National Living Wage of £12.71. It said the increase met the Government's target of keeping the rate at two-thirds of median hourly earnings for workers aged 21 and over.

The Commission also expected the increase to provide a real-terms pay rise for minimum-wage workers through the minimum wage year, although economic forecasts can change.

What Could Happen to the UK Minimum Wage in 2027?

The next minimum wage rates are expected to take effect in April 2027, rather than September 2026.

The Government gave the Low Pay Commission a new remit in March 2026 to recommend the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage rates for April 2027. The Commission has been asked to make its recommendations by October 2026.

At this stage, the 2027 rate has not been finally confirmed. The Low Pay Commission has published an indicative estimate suggesting that maintaining the National Living Wage at two-thirds of median earnings could require a rate between £13.02 and £13.34 per hour, with a central estimate of £13.18. However, these figures are projections rather than final rates.

The eventual recommendation will also take account of the economy, labour market conditions, living costs and the impact on businesses.

When Will the Next Minimum Wage Rise Happen?

The UK minimum wage rates normally change on 1 April each year. Therefore, the next scheduled minimum wage uprating is expected in April 2027.

As of September 2026, the exact 2027 rates have not yet been announced. Workers should therefore avoid treating projected figures such as £13.18 as a confirmed future minimum wage.

Who Is Entitled to the UK Minimum Wage?

The National Minimum Wage is a legal minimum that almost all workers are entitled to receive, subject to the relevant rules and exemptions.

The applicable hourly rate depends primarily on the worker's age and, for some workers, whether they qualify for the apprentice rate. Workers aged 21 and over are currently covered by the National Living Wage rate of £12.71 per hour.

Eligible apprentices can receive the apprentice rate if they are under 19, or if they are 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship. Once an apprentice aged 19 or over has completed the first year, the applicable age-based minimum wage rate generally applies instead.

What Should Workers Check in September 2026?

Employees who believe they may not be receiving the correct minimum wage should check their age category, working hours, pay records and employment arrangements.

The UK Government provides a National Minimum Wage calculator that can be used to check whether a worker is being paid the legal minimum or whether arrears may be owed.

It is also important to remember that minimum wage calculations can involve specific rules about working time, deductions and accommodation. A simple comparison between an hourly wage and the headline rate may not always provide the complete picture.

UK Minimum Wage Rise September 2026

The UK minimum wage rise September 2026 is actually a reference to the rates already introduced in April 2026 rather than a new September increase. The current National Living Wage is £12.71 per hour for workers aged 21 and over, while the rates for younger workers and eligible apprentices are lower.

The next major change is expected in April 2027. Although the Low Pay Commission has published indicative figures for the possible 2027 National Living Wage, the final rates have not yet been confirmed as of September 2026.