💰 Minimum Wage
Calculator 2026/27

Enter your age, hourly rate and hours worked to instantly check whether your employer is paying you the correct National Minimum Wage for 2026/27.

✓ April 2026 rates ✓ GOV.UK verified ✓ Instant result — no signup

Your Pay Details

Rates shown are for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Scotland uses the same NMW rates set by the UK Government.

2026/27 National Minimum Wage Rates

These rates apply from 1 April 2026 and were confirmed by the UK Government following Low Pay Commission recommendations.

Age Band Rate per Hour Annual (40 hrs/wk, 52 wks)
21 and over (NLW) £12.21 £25,396.80
18–20 years £10.00 £22,609.60
Under 18 / Apprentice £7.55 £15,704.00
Accommodation offset (max) £10.64/day

What Counts as Pay for Minimum Wage?

Not all payments made by an employer count towards National Minimum Wage. The calculation is based on your basic hourly pay — the regular wage before additions and deductions. Items that do count include basic wages, piece-rate payments, and some performance-related bonuses paid as part of regular pay. Items that do not count include tips and gratuities (whether paid by customers or via a tronc scheme), overtime and shift premiums, allowances for working unsociable hours, living accommodation (except the permitted accommodation offset of £10.64/day), loans and advances, expenses reimbursements, and redundancy payments. Deductions that employers make — for example for uniforms, tools, or on-site accommodation above the permitted offset — reduce your effective hourly rate and can push your pay below the minimum wage threshold, which is unlawful.

How to Report Underpayment

If you believe your employer is paying you below the National Minimum Wage, you have several options. You can raise the issue directly with your employer or HR department in writing, keeping a copy for your records. If this does not resolve the matter, you can report the underpayment to HMRC, which enforces NMW legislation. HMRC can require employers to repay arrears and impose financial penalties. To report online or find further guidance, visit HMRC on GOV.UK or call the Acas helpline on 0300 123 1100. You can also make a claim to an Employment Tribunal within three months of the underpayment. Citizens Advice and your trade union (if applicable) can provide free support throughout this process.

Worked Examples

Full-Time Shop Worker

Age 25 • 40 hrs/week

Hourly rate£12.21
NMW rate (21+)£12.21
Weekly pay£488.40
Annual salary£25,397
Status✓ Compliant

Underpaid Warehouse Worker

Age 22 • 45 hrs/week

Hourly rate£11.00
NMW rate (21+)£12.21
Shortfall/hr£1.21
Weekly shortfall£54.45
Annual shortfall£2,831

Part-Time Student

Age 19 • 16 hrs/week

Hourly rate£10.00
NMW rate (18-20)£10.00
Weekly pay£160.00
Annual salary£8,320
Status✓ Compliant

Did You Know?

In 2024/25, HMRC named and shamed over 500 employers who failed to pay the minimum wage, with arrears totalling millions of pounds. The most common reason for underpayment was deductions for uniforms and workwear that brought effective pay below the NMW threshold.

Tips for Checking Your Pay

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum wage in 2026/27?
From 1 April 2026, the National Living Wage (NLW) for workers aged 21 and over is £12.21 per hour. The rate for 18–20 year olds is £10.00/hr, and the rate for workers under 18 and apprentices is £7.55/hr. These rates are set annually by the UK Government following recommendations from the Low Pay Commission.
My employer says tips count towards minimum wage — is that true?
No. Since October 2009, tips, gratuities, and service charges — whether paid directly by customers or distributed through a tronc — cannot be counted towards the National Minimum Wage. Your basic pay before tips must meet or exceed the NMW rate applicable to your age band. An employer who relies on tips to meet the NMW threshold is breaking the law.
What if I work overtime — does minimum wage still apply?
Yes. Every hour you work, including overtime, must be paid at least at the National Minimum Wage rate for your age band. There is no exemption for overtime hours. If your average hourly rate across all hours worked (including overtime) falls below the NMW, your employer is in breach of the law.
Can my employer deduct uniform costs from my pay?
Deductions for items such as uniforms, tools, or other workplace equipment are only lawful if they do not bring your effective hourly rate below the National Minimum Wage. If a deduction would push your pay below NMW — even if you consented to it in your contract — the deduction is unlawful. HMRC investigates these arrangements as minimum wage violations and can require repayment plus a penalty.
When did the April 2026 minimum wage increase take effect?
The 2026/27 National Minimum Wage rates took effect on 1 April 2026. The National Living Wage rose to £12.21/hr for workers aged 21 and over, the age 18–20 rate rose to £10.00/hr, and the under-18 and apprentice rate rose to £7.55/hr. Employers are legally required to pay the new rates from this date.

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✓ April 2026 NMW rates ✓ GOV.UK verified ✓ Updated March 2026 ✓ Free — no signup UKMinimumWage.co.uk | For guidance only