Minimum wage rises to £12.71 an hour as firms warn of impact

Business / Wed 1st Apr 2026 at 01:20pm

AROUND 2.7 million people are set to receive a pay rise this week as the national minimum wage goes up by 50p to £12.71 for over 21s.

Workers aged 18-20 will see an 85p rise to £10.85, and under-18s and apprentices will get 45p more to £8 an hour.

Young workers welcomed the rise, but some expressed concern about fewer job opportunities, while businesses said higher wage bills will force them to increase prices or cut staff.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c36r7jk6093o

3 Comments for Minimum wage rises to £12.71 an hour as firms warn of impact:

adam

2026-04-01 14:47:19

Government putting pressure on businesses again. this will just lead to job losses especially among the young

Pete

2026-04-01 16:00:20

I have no problem with a minimum wage but not for young people (below 21) or those unable to work at full capacity.

David Forman

2026-04-05 11:14:58

Dear Pete, as 18-year olds can get married, vote in elections and fight & die for their country they certainly deserve an an adult wage at work. The cost of living doesn't change for an 18 year-old who may already have a partner and kid in tow as compared to a 21 year-old in the same circumstances.