02 April 2026
The Low Pay Commission (LPC) is an independent body that advises the government on what the National Minimum Wage (NMW) levels should be.
A roundup of the rates to use from pay reference periods starting on or after 1 April 2026:
- £12.71 National Living Wage (NLW) for over 21 year olds
- £10.85 NMW for those aged 18 to 20
- £8.00 NMW for 16 and 17 year olds
- £8.00 NMW for Apprentices under 19 or in first year.
Every year the LPC conduct research using a range of methods and consider a collection of factors to understand where the rates should sit.
As part of its work, the LPC release a consultation to seek input to shape its recommendations for April 2027 that it will take to the government in the Autumn.
This years consultation is now open. The LPC has published:
This consultation closes at 11:59pm on 26 June 2026.
The Policy Team will be responding on behalf of our members and the wider profession. You can also complete the consultation online or submit written evidence by e-mail to [email protected] if you so wish.
As always, keep an eye out for future updates from the Policy Team as we will be running Think Tanks for our full, fellow and Chartered members so you can discuss your feedback directly with the LPC and its Commissioners, and your views will feed into our response.
Information provided in this news article may be subject to change. Please make note of the date of publication to ensure that you are viewing up to date information.