UK Government Raises National Living Wage to £13.21
The UK government is increasing the National Living Wage by 3.9% to £13.21 per hour effective April 2027, benefiting approximately 2.3 million workers.
The government under Andy Burnham confirmed a 3.9% increase to the National Living Wage, effective April 1, 2027. This adjustment raises the hourly rate for workers aged 21 and over from £12.71 to £13.21, which provides a gross annual earnings boost of £910 for full-time employees.
Approximately 2.3 million workers across the United Kingdom are expected to benefit from the change. The National Minimum Wage for workers aged 18 to 20 will also rise by 3.9%, increasing from £10.85 to £11.27 per hour. This increase exceeds the 3.5% Consumer Prices Index inflation rate recorded in the 12 months leading to September 2026.
HM Treasury stated that the government accepted the Low Pay Commission's recommendations in full to ensure workers are rewarded fairly while protecting jobs and supporting economic growth.
