National living wage to go up on 1 April

Many of the country’s lowest paid workers will see their salaries go up next week.

On 1 April, the national living wage will go up to £12.21 an hour - an increase of 6.7%.

According to the Low Pay Commission (LPC), this will equal two-thirds of the median hourly wage in October 2025.

“We expect this rate to stay ahead of changes in the cost of living up to March 2026 and therefore provide an increase in real terms for minimum wage workers,” it said.

Wage rates for younger workers going up too

This coincides with increases in minimum wage rates for younger people as well.

The minimum wage rate for 18 to 20-year-olds will go up by 16.3% to £10 an hour.

Meanwhile, the rates for 16 and 17-year-olds and apprentices will be increased by 18% to £7.55.

“These rates secure a real-terms pay increase for the lowest-paid workers,” said Baroness Philippa Stroud, chair of the LPC.

“Young workers will also see substantial increases in their pay floor, making up some of the ground lost against the adult rate over time.”

What are my options if I’m in work and struggling?

If you’re in employment and still finding it hard to make ends meet, there are practical steps you can take.

Use our minimum wage calculator to find out if you're being paid the correct national minimum wage or national living wage. 

And if you think you’ve been underpaid, check out our handy guide outlining what you can do.

It’s also well worth making sure you’re on top of how much money is coming in and going out by using our budget planner.

Meanwhile, make sure you’re getting all the help you qualify for with our free benefits calculator.

Finally, if you’re finding it hard to manage your debts, then find out how we can help.