Employer Readiness Checklist
09 Mar, 2026
Employment Law Update: National Minimum Wage Changes Coming in April 2026
25 Mar, 20262From 1st April 2026, new National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) rates wi...
From 1st April 2026, new National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) rates will come into effect. These increases form part of the Government’s ongoing Plan to Make Work Pay and apply across all age groups.
The Government has announced new minimum wage rates effective 1st April 2026, with increases across every age band and apprentice rate. According to guidance published in March 2026, the updated rates will be:
- Apprentices: increase from £7.55 to £8.00 per hour
- Ages 16–17: increase from £7.55 to £8.00 per hour
- Ages 18–20: increase from £10.00 to £10.85 per hour
- National Living Wage (21+): increase from £12.21 to £12.71 per hour
These increases are part of the Government’s phased implementation of the Plan to Make Work Pay, designed to lift lower-income workers and modernise wage structures.
What Employers Should Do Now
- Update payroll systems with the new NMW and NLW rates effective 1st April 2026.
- Adjust pay where needed to ensure all employees meet the new minimum rates.
- Review and update contracts and handbooks to reflect the revised wage information.
- Inform employees about the new wage rates and when they take effect.
- Brief managers and payroll teams so they understand and apply the new pay bands correctly.
How Meridian can help?
You don’t have to navigate these changes alone. Meridian has over 35 years of experience supporting businesses through changes like this.
As your recruitment partner, we’re invested in your business's success. Here’s how we can help:
- Workforce planning – reviewing your staffing strategy to keep costs under control while maintaining efficiency
- Compliance and risk management – ensuring you meet all legal requirements so you don’t get caught out.
- Financial impact guidance – helping you understand what these changes mean for your bottom line and how to adapt.
- Retention and engagement strategies – supporting you in keeping your best people happy and motivated despite rising costs.
- Flexible recruitment solutions – whether you need temporary staff to bridge gaps or a long-term hiring strategy, we’ve got you covered.
As one of the UK’s leading recruitment partners, we have a dedicated Employment Law Hub to help you cut through the noise with clear, practical guidance on employment law that you can rely on. If you need advice, a recruitment plan, or just want to talk about changes for your business, we’re here to help.
Related Posts
