National Minimum Wage rates (opens in a new tab)
Full breakdown of all NMW and NLW rates by age band.
Calendar (planned, date-driven)
April 2026 employment rate changes: what you need to know
Key employment rate changes taking effect in April 2026, including National Minimum Wage, Statutory Sick Pay, and pension thresholds.
This content may be out of date
This update was due for review on 1 May 2026. The information may no longer be current.
Change event:
National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage increase April 2026
Effective 1 April 2026
Related guidance
Topics
Employee Rights
What is changing
Several employment rates change each April at the start of the new tax year. Employers must update their payroll systems before 6 April 2026 to comply with the new rates.
Action required
Update your payroll software before 6 April 2026. Check that all employee pay rates meet the new minimums for their age band.
Run payroll (RTI) (opens in a new tab)
Step-by-step guide to payroll compliance.