National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage
The National Minimum Wage (NMW) and the National Living Wage set minimum hourly rates that employers must legally pay workers in the UK. Most workers are eligible for the NMW – even if you agree to work for less or your contract says you are entitled to less.
Employers are legally required to pay at least the NMW. If your employer has not been paying the NMW, you can force them to pay you the money they owe you.
If you are earning less than the NMW, you can contact your UNISON representative for help and advice.
On this page
How much is the National Minimum Wage?
NMW levels vary, depending on your age and whether you are an apprentice. It is reviewed every year, with changes introduced every April. For the most up to date NMW rates, visit Gov.uk.
From April 2026, the hourly national minimum wage rates are:
- £12.71 for workers aged 21 and above;
- £10.85 for workers aged 18-20;
- £8 for workers aged under 18;
- £8 for apprentices under 19, or in the first year of their apprenticeship.
We think it’s unfair that young people doing the same job get paid less that those above 20 years old, so we are campaigning for everyone to receive the same minimum wage.
National Living Wage
The top tier of the NMW, payable to workers aged 21 and over, was labelled as a ‘National Living Wage’ when it was introduced by the government in April 2016.
The government set a target for this wage to rise to two-thirds of average earnings by 2024. However, the wage does not truly reflect a living wage, since it is not based on the cost of living.
Living wage
The Living Wage Foundation, an independent organisation that campaigns for a living wage based on the true cost of living, announces its independently calculated wage rate at the beginning of Living Wage Week, which takes place over the first week of November every year.
As of 2025, the living wage currently stands at £13.45 an hour across the UK, and £14.80 an hour in London. We support the Living Wage Foundation and are campaign for this too.
UNISON offers practical advice and campaigns for members on low pay to receive a liveable wage as a minimum, as well as bargaining and negotiating with individual employers to improve wages.
Frequently asked questions
Employers who do not pay the NMW should be reported to HMRC. It is possible you may also have a legal claim You should seek support from your UNISON representative immediately. Claims must be brought within three months less one day of the underpayment.
This means if any worker is paid – on average – less than the NMW over their pay reference period, they will be entitled to a pay rise to ensure NMW compliance. They may also be able to pursue a claim for back pay. However, because working patterns vary enormously between individuals; this will need to be considered on a case-by-case basis.
A full list of people who are not eligible can be found on the government website (gov.uk/national-minimum-wage/who-gets-the-minimum-wage).
Legal disclaimer
The information contained within this article is not a complete or final statement of the law and is based on the laws of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
While UNISON has sought to ensure that the information is accurate and up to date, it is not responsible and will not be held liable for any inaccuracies and their consequences, including any loss arising from relying on this information. If you are a UNISON member with a legal problem, please contact your branch or region as soon as possible for advice, or for non-employment matters call UNISONdirect.