US EditionPay rise for 2.7 million people as minimum wage increase comes into force
The new rates add up to £1,500 a year for some younger workers, while employers are urged to check payslips for underpayment.
- On Wednesday, April 1, 2026, the National Living Wage increase came into force, boosting pay for approximately 2.7 million workers across Britain with potential annual earnings gains exceeding £1,000.
- Chancellor Rachel Reeves accepted recommendations from the Low Pay Commission to ensure low earners are "properly rewarded," fulfilling Labour's manifesto commitment to remove "discretionary age bands."
- Eligible employees aged 21 and over now receive at least £12.71 per hour, while 18-20-year-olds see a rise to £10.85 and under-18s and apprentices receive £8.
- Southampton-Based coffee shop operator Spencer Bowman warns that rising employment costs are squeezing firms, stating "We're running on a minimum number of staff on shift. We can't run on fewer people."
- Workers are urged to check payslips to ensure employers applied the new rates correctly; contacting ACAS—the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service—or HMRC provides dispute resolution guidance.
15 Articles
15 Articles
The Herald Scotland
Millions of UK workers urged to check payslips from April 1 as wages rise
Millions of UK workers are getting a pay rise from April 1. Check the new minimum wage rates and make sure your employer is paying you correctly.
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How much more people will earn as minimum wage and living wage go up
The national minimum wage and national living wage are going up from April 1 – and here’s how much people will earn. The increase was confirmed last year on the eve of the Autumn Budget, which ended up being leaked accidently by the OBR, before Rachel Reeves could. Taking to X in November, Starmer said the increase will come in April and will help fight the cost of living crisis. The post read: “From April, we’re raising the National Living Wage…
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