HMRC has reminded workers to check their payslips are correct following the increase
Workers have been reminded to take a closer look at their payslips this month and make sure something is different. It comes as new minimum wage rates came into effect nearly a month ago, increasing the hourly rate employees should be earning across the UK.
The National Minimum Wage is set as an hourly rate and applies to all eligible employees, regardless of their pay schedule. This means that, whatever payment method is used, people must still calculate their equivalent hourly rate to confirm they are receiving the minimum wage.
Since April 1, workers and their bosses need to be aware of the legal adjustment that will see account balances rise as employees become entitled to an improved minimum wage. The new rules came into effect this month, so workers need to check that everything has changed properly.
What is the new National Minimum Wage in 2026?
HMRC recently announced on X that the National Minimum Wage had risen from the start of April 2026, reports the Express. Anyone employed in jobs paying this rate should notice an uplift to their basic hourly pay as follows:
- Apprentice and under 18: £8 per hour (increase from £7.55)
- 18 to 20-year-olds: £10.85 per hour (increase from £10)
- 21 and over: £12.71 per hour (increase from £12.21)
Apprentices qualify for the apprentice rate if they’re either under 19 or any person over 19 who hasn’t finished the first year of their apprenticeship. Beyond the one-year point, they must be paid according to their age (for instance, if an apprentice is 21 or over, they should receive a minimum of £12.71 per hour from their second year onwards).
If you’re already earning more than the new National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage, your employer isn’t legally obliged to raise your salary. Pay rises for higher-wage employees are typically determined by company policy and often depend on individual job performance.
Employers are not legally required to offer a pay rise every year unless it is explicitly stated in your contract. While many companies conduct annual salary reviews to address cost-of-living adjustments or performance, these reviews are usually discretionary. Even with good performance, a company’s financial position may mean that it cannot offer a rise.
How to check if you are being paid correctly
Workers can check they’re being paid properly using the National Minimum Wage and Living Wage calculator available on GOV.UK website. No specific documents are needed, though you’ll need to know some essential information.
The online tool requests details about your typical working hours and payment frequency in days. It also factors in whether employers cover accommodation or other work-related expenses. People can access the calculator here.
The official GOV.UK website said: “If your payslip is wrong, immediately check for unauthorised deductions, incorrect hours, or tax errors, then contact your employer’s HR or payroll department informally to request a correction. If they fail to fix it quickly, formally raise a grievance, gather evidence of hours worked, or contact the Pay and Work Rights helpline.”
The Pay and Work Rights helpline offers advice for workers and employers on rights and obligations at work. Call on 0300 123 1100 between 8am and 6pm (Mon-Fri). People could also get advice on the Acas website.






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