The 2026 rates
From April 2026, workers aged 21 and over must receive at least £12.71 an hour. The rate is £10.85 for ages 18 to 20, and £8.00 for under-18s and apprentices. DavidsonMorris
Quick pay maths
Minimum pay is hours worked multiplied by the rate for your age band. For someone aged 21 or over:
- 8-hour shift: £101.68
- 12-hour shift: £152.52
- 40-hour week: £508.40
Birthdays and age bands
You move up a band on your birthday, but the higher rate only applies from the start of your next pay reference period. UKTaxTools
Who is covered?
Almost all workers are covered, including part-time, casual, zero-hours and agency workers. The main exceptions are the genuinely self-employed. Whether you’re employed or self-employed matters, so check your status if you’re unsure. UKTaxTools
Think you’ve been underpaid?
- Compare your payslip to your logged hours and the rate for your age.
- Raise it with your employer or agency in writing, with dates and hours.
- Underpayment disputes that escalate normally go through ACAS early conciliation before a tribunal claim, and time limits apply. Yerty
A new Fair Work Agency launched on 7 April 2026 to enforce minimum wage, holiday pay and statutory sick pay. Yerty
Written evidence is what makes this work. If you keep a record of every shift, including start, end, break and rate, you can spot underpayment quickly. That’s what Shiftaan is for.
This is general information, not legal advice.