Below are the increases to the National Living Wage that will take effect on April 1, 2026. While any pay increase is welcome, these adjustments to the minimum wage will have only a minor impact on poverty pay levels in the hospitality sector. Additionally, they will not address the issue of underemployment that plagues this industry, making it difficult for workers to earn a full week’s pay.
From 1 April 2026, the National Living Wage (NLW) will increase by 4.1% to £12.71 per hour for eligible workers aged 21 and over. This change will raise the gross annual earnings of a full-time worker on the NLW by £900, benefiting approximately 2.4 million low-paid workers.
Additionally, the National Minimum Wage (NMW) for 18–20-year-olds will rise by 8.5% to £10.85 per hour, further narrowing the gap with the NLW. This adjustment will result in an annual earnings increase of £1,500 for a full-time worker in this age group.
The NMW for 16–17-year-olds and those on apprenticeships will increase by 6% to £8 per hour.
Checking that you have received the correct pay can be notoriously difficult, especially when it comes to things like holiday pay. If you are having trouble verifying your pay, please feel free to reach out to us at SFHWU.