How much has the UK minimum wage increased by?

LocalBusiness & Finance
1 Apr 2026 • 10:03 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • Approximately 2.7 million workers across the UK are set to receive pay increases this week, with rises to both the national minimum wage and the real living wage.
  • Workers aged 18-20 will see their minimum wage increase by 8.5% to £10.85 per hour, while under-18s and apprentices will receive a 6% rise to £8 per hour.
  • The national living wage for workers over 21 will increase by 4.1%, moving from £12.21 to £12.71 an hour.
  • The voluntary real living wage is also rising by 6.7% to £13.45 an hour, or £14.80 in London, benefiting nearly half a million workers.
  • The hospitality sector has expressed concerns that these pay rises, alongside other cost increases, could lead to job cuts, with 64% of businesses surveyed considering such measures.

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