National Minimum Wage 2026: What Security Guards Should Be Paid
The latest UK rates and what to do if you think you've been underpaid.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A new Fair Work Agency launched on 7 April 2026 to enforce minimum wage, holiday pay and statutory sick pay.
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.
