The rates from 1 April 2026, the apprentice rule, the accommodation offset, and what to do if you are underpaid in each part of the UK.
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Check My Pay →Workers anywhere in the UK who want to check they are paid at least the minimum wage, and what to do if they are not. The minimum wage law applies to most workers across all parts of the UK.
From 1 April 2026 the hourly rates are:
You must be at least school leaving age to get the National Minimum Wage, and aged 21 to get the National Living Wage.
Apprentices are entitled to the apprentice rate if they are aged under 19, or aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship. An apprentice aged 19 or over who has completed the first year of their apprenticeship is entitled to the minimum wage for their age. For example, an apprentice aged 21 in the first year gets £8.00, and after the first year gets £12.71.
The rates change on 1 April every year.
From 1 April 2026 the accommodation offset is £11.10 a day. That is the most an employer can count towards the minimum wage for each day it provides accommodation.
A deduction cannot normally reduce your pay below the minimum wage, even if you agree to it. Some deductions are allowed to, such as tax, National Insurance, repaying a loan or an advance of wages, repaying an accidental overpayment of wages, and accommodation provided by your employer.
Check your payslips and the hours you worked. The government's "Check your pay" page (gov.uk/checkyourpay) explains what you can do.
You can get free, impartial and confidential advice from Acas, and complain that you have been underpaid through the Acas "Pay and work rights" helpline and complaints service.
In Northern Ireland, contact the Labour Relations Agency (LRA) on 03300 555 300.
HMRC enforces the minimum wage on behalf of the Fair Work Agency and considers all complaints from workers.
You can also claim unpaid wages at an employment tribunal. Before most claims you must notify Acas to start early conciliation. Your time limit is paused while conciliation runs, but only if you notify Acas within your time limit.
You can also bring a claim at an industrial tribunal. Before most claims you must notify the LRA. If you notify the LRA within your time limit, the clock stops for up to 1 calendar month while conciliation takes place, plus up to 14 more days if both sides agree.
Acas: 0300 123 1100 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm), acas.org.uk. Free advice, and the "Pay and work rights" complaints service.
Labour Relations Agency (LRA): 03300 555 300. Free, confidential and impartial advice on employment rights.
Citizens Advice (England): 0800 144 8848
Citizens Advice (Wales): 0800 702 2020
Citizens Advice Scotland: 0800 028 1456
Advice NI: 0800 915 4604
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