Millions to get pay rise in 2026 - how much you could earn

Millions of people across the UK could see a boost of up to £975 (Image: Florencio Horcajo Alvarez via Getty Images)

In 2026, millions of individuals across the nation could see a boost of approximately £975 in their bank accounts as the minimum wage is poised to rise. The minimum wage represents the lowest hourly rate that employers are legally obliged to pay their employees.

The sum an individual receives is contingent on their age, and the minimum wage applies to both full-time and part-time workers. To qualify for the National Minimum Wage, you must be at least school leaving age, while the National Living Wage applies to those aged 21 and over.

What are the changes and who will be affected

From April, the National Living Wage for those aged 21 and over will increase from £12.21