UK Minimum Wage 2027: Expected £13.18 and New Living Wage
The UK National Living Wage is £12.71 an hour and is expected to rise to about £13.18 from April 1, 2027, the Low Pay Commission's central estimate. The final rate will be announced by the government after the Commission sends its advice by the end of October. Last year's rates came out on Budget day, and this year's Budget is on Wednesday, October 28. Separately, the voluntary real Living Wage for 2026–27 was announced on October 15: £14.10 an hour, or £15.45 in London.
Minimum wage rates now (from April 1, 2026)
| Who | Hourly rate |
|---|---|
| 21 and over (National Living Wage) | £12.71 |
| 18 to 20 | £10.85 |
| Under 18 | £8.00 |
| Apprentice (under 19, or in the first year) | £8.00 |
Source: GOV.UK, National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates. The rates change on April 1 every year.
What to expect for April 2027
- Central estimate £13.18. The Low Pay Commission (LPC) estimates that keeping the National Living Wage at two-thirds of median earnings would need between £13.02 and £13.34 in April 2027, a rise of 2.4% to 5.0%, with a central estimate of £13.18, or 3.7% (LPC consultation letter).
- It's an estimate, not the final rate. The LPC says the figures are indicative only. Its recommendation must also weigh the economy, the labour market and living costs, and it notes extra uncertainty because of the conflict in the Middle East.
- Younger workers: the government wants to bring the 18 to 20 rate up to the National Living Wage over time, but has left the pace to the LPC, with priority on young people's job prospects (LPC remit 2026).
- Under-18s and apprentices: the LPC will recommend rates that support their employment prospects.
When the new rates are announced
The government asked the LPC to send its advice to the Prime Minister and the Business Secretary by the end of October 2026. Last year, the April 2026 rates were announced on November 26, 2025, the day of that year's Budget, and the government accepted the LPC's recommendations in full (GOV.UK). This year's Autumn Budget is on Wednesday, October 28, so an announcement around then is likely, but the government hasn't confirmed a date.
What £13.18 would mean for your pay
| At 37.5 hours a week | Now (£12.71) | At £13.18 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per hour | £12.71 | £13.18 | +47p |
| Per week | £476.63 | £494.25 | +£17.63 |
| Per year (52 weeks) | £24,784.50 | £25,701.00 | +£916.50 |
Our own calculation, before tax and National Insurance, using the LPC's central estimate. The real rate could be higher or lower.
The real Living Wage: £14.10, announced October 15
The real Living Wage is different from the legal minimum. It's set by the Living Wage Foundation from the cost of living, applies from age 18, and is paid voluntarily by nearly 17,000 accredited employers. The 2026–27 rates were announced on October 15, 2026: £14.10 an hour across the UK and £15.45 in London. Accredited employers have until May 1, 2027 to pay them (Living Wage Foundation).
Quick answers
What is the minimum wage in the UK now?
£12.71 an hour for workers aged 21 and over, £10.85 for 18 to 20, and £8.00 for under-18s and apprentices, since April 1, 2026.
What will the minimum wage be in April 2027?
Not confirmed yet. The Low Pay Commission's central estimate is £13.18 an hour for the National Living Wage, within a range of £13.02 to £13.34.
When will the 2027 minimum wage be announced?
The LPC sends its advice by the end of October 2026. Last year's rates were announced on Budget day, and this year's Budget is on October 28.
What is the real Living Wage for 2026–27?
£14.10 an hour, or £15.45 in London, announced on October 15, 2026. It's voluntary.
