Minimum wage rates from 1 April 2027
| Rate | April 2026 | April 2027 | Rise |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Living Wage (21+) | £12.71 | £13.21 | +50p |
| 18–20 rate | £10.85 | £11.27 | +42p |
| 16–17 rate | £8.00 | £8.31 | +31p |
| Apprentice rate | £8.00 | £8.31 | +31p |
| Accommodation offset (daily) | £11.10 | £11.53 | +43p |
All rates rise by 3.9%, following the Low Pay Commission recommendations accepted at the Budget on 28 October 2026. Apprentices aged 19 or over who have finished the first year of their apprenticeship are entitled to the rate for their age.
£13.21 an hour is how much a year?
At 37.5 hours a week, £13.21 an hour is about £25,760 a year, or £2,147 a month before tax. At 40 hours it is about £27,477 a year.
FAQ
What is the minimum wage in April 2027?
£13.21 an hour for workers aged 21 and over, £11.27 for 18–20 year olds and £8.31 for 16–17 year olds and apprentices.
When does the new minimum wage start?
On 1 April 2027.
How much is £13.21 an hour per year full time?
About £25,760 a year at 37.5 hours a week (£13.21 × 37.5 × 52).
Will income tax thresholds rise too?
No. The personal allowance stays frozen at £12,570 until 2031, so more of the rise is taxed.
Source: GOV.UK “Minimum wage rates for 2027” and Low Pay Commission recommendations (28 October 2026).