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Minimum Wage Checker 2026
Free UK minimum wage checker for 2026: £12.71 an hour at 21+, £10.85 at 18–20, £8.00 at 16–17 and for apprentices. Works for hourly pay and yearly salaries, and shows any shortfall.
You and your pay
You're paid below the minimum
£12.71 an hour
| Your hourly rate | £12.50 |
| Minimum for you | £12.71 |
| Short per week | £7.88 |
| Short per year | £410 |
| Minimum weekly pay at your hours | £476.63 |
Employers must pay arrears at today's rates. Talk to your employer first; if that fails, complain to HMRC free (it's confidential), or get help from Acas on 0300 123 1100.
Rates from 1 April 2026
| 21 and over (National Living Wage) | £12.71 |
| 18 to 20 | £10.85 |
| 16 to 17 | £8.00 |
| Apprentice | £8.00 |
Unpaid work time, like required training or travel between jobs, can push your real hourly rate below the minimum. Uniform costs you must pay can too.
Rules last checked October 2026. Not legal, tax or financial advice. 🔒 Everything stays on your device.
✅ Rules last checked:
📚 Official sources: GOV.UK: National Minimum Wage rates
We build every tool from the official rules and re-check them when they change. Always confirm with the official source before you rely on a result.
🛠️ Spotted a mistake or an out-of-date rule? Tell us
Questions people ask
What is the minimum wage in April 2026?+
£12.71 an hour at 21 and over, £10.85 at 18 to 20, and £8.00 at 16 to 17 and for apprentices.
Who gets the apprentice rate?+
Apprentices under 19, and apprentices 19 or over in the first year. After that they get the rate for their age.
What if I'm underpaid?+
Your employer must pay back the difference. You can complain to HMRC for free, and it's confidential.