Minimum Wage Checker
Verify National Minimum Wage & Living Wage compliance for employees based on April 2026 rates.
Employee Details
Fill in the form to check minimum wage compliance
Important Disclaimer
This tool provides indicative calculations only and does not constitute financial, accounting, tax, or legal advice. The accuracy of results depends on the accuracy of information you provide. Consult a qualified professional for complex situations.
Overview
The UK National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) are legal pay benchmarks set by the government to ensure workers receive fair compensation. From April 2026, the NLW for employees aged 21 and over will increase to £12.71 per hour, while younger age bands remain lower but are also subject to annual review. Employers must track these rates carefully, as underpayment can trigger HMRC investigations, fines, or reputational damage. The apprentice rate and accommodation offset further complicate compliance, requiring precise calculations to avoid penalties. Failure to adhere to these rates risks backdated payments, National Insurance (NI) adjustments, and potential criminal prosecution for serious violations.
Worked Example (2026/27)
### Scenario: A 22-year-old apprentice working 35 hours/week with £5/week accommodation offset
**Inputs:** - Worker age: 22 (eligible for apprentice rate) - Hours worked per week: 35 - Weekly accommodation offset: £5
**Calculation:** 1. **Apprentice rate (2026/27):** £6.41/hr (half the NLW for apprentices under 21, full for those 21+) 2. **Hourly pay (£12.71 - £6.41 = £6.41 difference):** £6.41/hr 3. **Weekly pay before offset:** 35 hrs × £6.41 = £224.35 4. **Total weekly pay after offset:** £224.35 - £5 = £219.35 5. **Monthly pay:** £219.35 × 52 weeks ÷ 12 months = £957.01 6. **Annual pay:** £957.01 × 12 = £11,484.12
**Final figure:** The apprentice must be paid at least £11,484.12 annually (£957.01 monthly) to comply with the 2026/27 NLW for 21+ apprentices.
2026/27 Rates & Thresholds
| Age Band | Apprentice Rate (£/hr) | NMW/NLW Rate (£/hr) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21+ (National Living Wage) | 6.41 | 12.71 | Main rate for workers aged 21 and over |
| 20 | 6.41 | 11.21 | Reduced rate for workers aged 20 |
| 19 | 6.41 | 10.11 | Further reduced rate for workers aged 19 |
| 18 | 6.41 | 8.41 | Minimum rate for workers aged 18 |
| Under 18 | 5.28 | 8.41 | Exception for very young workers |
| Apprentice (under 21) | 5.28 | 6.41 | Apprentice rate for those under 21 |
| Accommodation Offset (per week) | - | £5.00 | Maximum offset for employer-provided living accommodation |
Common Mistakes HMRC Penalises
- Using the wrong age band for the worker’s current age.
- Failing to account for the apprentice rate when applicable.
- Incorrectly calculating the accommodation offset, exceeding £5/week.
- Not checking the worker’s age at the start of the tax year.
- Paying below the minimum wage for any hours worked, including overtime.
When to Seek Professional Advice
If you’re unsure whether a worker qualifies for the apprentice rate or if their age band changes mid-year, consult a tax professional. Misclassifying apprentices or overlooking age-related adjustments can lead to underpayment and HMRC penalties. Similarly, if you provide accommodation but don’t apply the offset correctly, seek advice to avoid disputes. Complex pay structures, such as those involving tips or deductions, may also require expert review to ensure compliance with NMW/NLW regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over from April 2026?+
From 1 April 2026, the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over rises to £12.71 per hour. This rate applies to all eligible employees regardless of their contract type, provided they are not apprentices. Employers must ensure their payroll systems reflect this increase immediately to avoid underpayment penalties.
How does the 2026 National Minimum Wage apply to apprentices under 19 or in their first year?+
Apprentices under 19 or those in their first year of apprenticeship are entitled to the Apprentice Rate of £6.40 per hour from April 2026. Once they turn 19 or complete their first year, they must be paid the age-appropriate National Minimum Wage rate. This rate is significantly lower than the standard adult rates to support training costs.
What is the maximum accommodation offset rate for 2026/27?+
For the 2026/27 tax year, the maximum accommodation offset is £9.99 per day, which reduces the hourly wage calculation if an employer provides living accommodation. This offset applies only if the accommodation is a condition of employment and is not provided for the employer's convenience. Employers must deduct this amount from the minimum wage requirement when calculating pay.
What are the National Minimum Wage rates for workers aged 18 to 20 in April 2026?+
Workers aged 18 to 20 must be paid at least £10.60 per hour from 1 April 2026. This rate is lower than the National Living Wage but higher than the rate for 16 to 17-year-olds. Employers should verify the employee's age on their first day to apply the correct band.
How do I check if I am paying the correct National Minimum Wage for 2026?+
You can use the official GOV.UK Minimum Wage Calculator to verify pay against the 2026 rates for all age bands and apprentices. HMRC requires employers to keep records of hours worked and pay for at least three years to prove compliance. Failure to pay the correct rate can result in fines of up to 20% of the underpayment.
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