Low Pay Commission consultation 2026
Consultation description
The Government has asked the Low Pay Commission to recommend minimum wage rates for April 2027.
In this consultation, we are asking for written submissions to inform those recommendations. We are asking for evidence on the impacts of recent minimum wage increases on employers and workers, and for views on the economic and labour market conditions that workers and businesses are facing, as well as the specific impacts of the rates themselves.
We do not expect respondents to answer all questions unless they are able to; they should focus on the areas which are of most concern to them and where they can provide the most comprehensive evidence. Shortened versions of this consultation, designed specifically for individual employers and workers, are available on our online consultation platform.
All rates of the National Minimum Wage, including the National Living Wage, increased on 1 April 2026. The table below sets out the new rates.
| NMW Rate from April 2026 | Increase | Percentage increase | |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Living Wage (21 and over) | £12.71 | £0.50 | 4.1 |
| 18-20 Year Old Rate | £10.85 | £0.85 | 8.5 |
| 16-17 Year Old Rate | £8.00 | £0.45 | 6.0 |
| Apprentice Rate | £8.00 | £0.45 | 6.0 |
| Accommodation Offset | £11.10 | £0.44 | 4.1 |