Nigeria TV Info

UK Approves 4.1% Minimum Wage Increase for 2026

The UK government has approved a 4.1% rise in the national minimum wage for 2026, increasing the main rate to £12.71 per hour from next April. The move is set to benefit 2.4 million workers aged 21 and above.

Announcing the decision on Tuesday, officials said the increase is aimed at keeping wages aligned with average pay, despite concerns from some employers that the move could drive up costs and contribute to inflation.

Finance Minister Rachel Reeves defended the hike, stating it is necessary “so that those on low incomes are properly rewarded for their hard work.” The announcement comes a day before Reeves is set to deliver her annual budget, which is expected to include tens of billions of pounds in tax increases.

Additionally, around 300,000 apprentices and workers under the age of 21 will also see pay rises ranging between 6.0% and 8.5% as the government continues phasing out lower rates for younger workers.