GeraJobs / Minimum Wage / History
UK Minimum Wage History
Year-by-year UK statutory minimum wage rates by band, from April 2019 to April 2026 — the top adult rate rose 54.8% over this period. Real GOV.UK figures.
How has the UK National Living Wage changed over the past few years?
The UK National Living Wage (top adult band) has risen from £8.91 in April 2021 to £12.71 from April 2026 — a 42.6% increase over five years. The age threshold also fell from 25+ (2020) to 21+ (2024). Source: GOV.UK National Minimum Wage previous rates (OGL v3.0).
UK minimum wage rates by year and band
| Period | Top adult band | 18 to 20 | Under 18 | Apprentice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| From April 2026 | £12.7121 and over (NLW) | £10.85 | £8.00 | £8.00 |
| April 2025 to March 2026 | £12.2121 and over (NLW) | £10.00 | £7.55 | £7.55 |
| April 2024 to March 2025 | £11.4421 and over (NLW) | £8.60 | £6.40 | £6.40 |
| April 2023 to March 2024 | £10.4223 and over (NLW) | £7.49 | £5.28 | £5.28 |
| April 2022 to March 2023 | £9.5023 and over (NLW) | £6.83 | £4.81 | £4.81 |
| April 2021 to March 2022 | £8.9123 and over (NLW) | £6.56 | £4.62 | £4.30 |
| April 2020 to March 2021 | £8.7225 and over (NLW) | £6.45 | £4.55 | £4.15 |
| April 2019 to March 2020 | £8.2125 and over (NLW) | £6.15 | £4.35 | £3.90 |
The "top adult band" is the National Living Wage; its age threshold fell from 25+ (to March 2021) to 23+ (April 2021) to 21+ (April 2024), shown in each row. All figures are official GOV.UK statutory rates.
UK Minimum Wage History — FAQ
- What was the UK minimum wage last year?
- April 2025 to March 2026, the National Living Wage was £12.21 per hour. From April 2026 it is £12.71. Source: GOV.UK (OGL v3.0).
- When did the National Living Wage age threshold change to 21?
- The National Living Wage applied to workers aged 25 and over from 2016, dropped to 23 and over in April 2021, and dropped again to 21 and over in April 2024. Source: GOV.UK.
- How often does the UK minimum wage change?
- Once a year, on 1 April, set by Government on Low Pay Commission advice. Each year since 1999 the rates have been uprated.
Get the new minimum wage rates when they change
UK statutory rates change every 1 April. Save your email and we’ll send the new rates as soon as they’re confirmed.
Related on GeraJobs
Source: GOV.UK National Minimum Wage previous rates (Open Government Licence v3.0). Figures are the official statutory hourly rates for each period.