AgumbaWelcome to Agumba
← UK tips & opportunities

Jobs & employment

Are you being paid at least £12.71 an hour? Check your minimum wage rights

Almost all workers are entitled to a legal minimum hourly rate, however small the employer. From April 2026 the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.71 an hour, £10.85 for 18 to 20 year olds, and £8 for under-18s and apprentices. The government has announced higher rates from April 2027. If you think you are underpaid, you can raise it with your employer, call the free Acas helpline, complain to HMRC or go to an employment tribunal, and any arrears must be paid back.

Reviewed 09/11/2026 · Applies to: UK-wide

Who this helps

Workers in the UK, especially newcomers in part-time, casual, agency or apprentice jobs, who want to check they are paid correctly.

What to do

  1. Check your rate. From April 2026: £12.71 an hour if you are 21 or over (National Living Wage), £10.85 if you are 18 to 20, and £8 if you are under 18 or an apprentice.
  2. If you are an apprentice, you get the apprentice rate if you are under 19, or 19 or over and in your first year. After your first year, if you are 19 or over, you get the rate for your age.
  3. Know who is covered: part-time, casual, agency and foreign workers, trainees and workers on probation are all entitled. Self-employed people, company directors and volunteers are not.
  4. Work out your hourly pay from your payslip and hours worked, and keep your own record of the hours you work.
  5. If your pay looks too low, talk to your employer first. You can ask in writing to see your payment records.
  6. For free, confidential help, call the Acas helpline on 0300 123 1100 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm).
  7. You can also complain to HMRC, including on someone else's behalf, or take a claim to an employment tribunal yourself. Employers must pay back any arrears.
  8. Plan ahead: announced rates from April 2027 are £13.21 (21 and over), £11.27 (18 to 20) and £8.31 (under 18 and apprentices).

Before you act

  • Rates change every April. Figures here were checked against official guidance on 9 November 2026.
  • Some groups, such as the self-employed, volunteers and students on certain work placements, are not entitled to the minimum wage.
  • This is general information, not legal advice. For a dispute, contact Acas or get independent advice.

Take the next step

Continue to the provider’s website to check the latest details and use the service.

Check the current minimum wage rates (GOV.UK) ↗

Destination: www.gov.uk

Sources

MyAgumba explains the sources above. Eligibility and availability depend on your circumstances and the provider’s current rules.