Statutory National Living Wage
£12.71 per hour for eligible workers aged 21 and over from 1 April 2026. Employers must also follow age and apprentice rates.
Current rates from April 2026
UK Living Wage Checker 2026.
Convert hourly pay or annual salary and compare it with the legal rate for your age and apprentice status, plus the voluntary Real Living Wage inside or outside London.
Legal rate separatedLondon comparisonHourly and salary
Two different benchmarks
“Living Wage” does not always mean the legal minimum.
The government’s National Living Wage is a statutory minimum for workers aged 21 and over. The Living Wage Foundation calculates higher voluntary rates from living costs, with a separate London figure.
Voluntary Real Living Wage
£13.45 across the UK and £14.80 in London for 2025–26. These are voluntary employer commitments rather than statutory minima.
Sources and limits
Current rates, honest calculation limits.
WorkCV compares gross pay with published hourly rates. It does not model pay reference periods, uniform costs, salary sacrifice, unpaid working time or the accommodation offset, all of which can affect legal entitlement.
Rates reviewed 10 July 2026.
FAQ
UK Living Wage questions.
What is the UK National Living Wage in 2026?+
From 1 April 2026, the statutory National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.71 per hour. Lower National Minimum Wage rates apply to younger workers and eligible apprentices.
What is the Real Living Wage in 2026?+
The voluntary Living Wage Foundation rates for 2025–26 are £13.45 across the UK and £14.80 in London. They are separate from the legal National Living Wage and apply to accredited employers on a voluntary basis.
Which apprentice rate applies?+
The £8.00 apprentice rate applies to apprentices under 19, or those aged 19 and over who are in the first year of their apprenticeship. Older apprentices who have completed the first year receive the minimum rate for their age.
Can annual salary be below minimum wage?+
Yes, if the salary divided by hours worked in the relevant pay reference period falls below the applicable legal rate. The official calculation can also be affected by unpaid time, deductions, salary sacrifice and employer-provided accommodation.
Is this a legal minimum-wage determination?+
No. This tool provides a transparent indicative comparison. Use the GOV.UK minimum-wage calculator or seek Acas advice for a legal assessment of actual pay records.