National Living Wage from April 2027: the current rate and the LPC's indicative range

The rate employers pay now, and the Low Pay Commission's indicative projection for April 2027. The projection is not a decision.

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By Branch² Intelligence Desk · Checked against primary sources 11 October 2026

For a small business with hourly-paid staff, the National Living Wage sets the floor of the wage bill. The government sets each April's rate after the Low Pay Commission makes its recommendation.

The range below is a projection the Commission published for its consultation. It says itself that the figures are indicative only. The final recommendation and the government's decision had not been published when we checked.

The rate now

• In force From April 2026 the National Living Wage (21 and over) is £12.71, the 18 to 20 rate is £10.85, and the under-18 and apprentice rates are £8. [1]
  What the source says

  21 and over 18 to 20 Under 18 Apprentice April 2026 £12.71 £10.85 £8 £8

April 2027: the Low Pay Commission's projection

• Projection — not a decision The Low Pay Commission estimates a rate between £13.02 and £13.34 would be required in April 2027, with a central estimate of £13.18. [2]
  What the source says

  a rate between £13.02 and £13.34 (or an increase of between 2.4 and 5.0 per cent) would be required in April 2027, with a central estimate of £13.18 (3.7 per cent)

• Projection — not a decision The Commission says these projected figures are indicative only. [2]
  What the source says

  These projected figures above are indicative only.

• Announced The benchmark remains two-thirds of median hourly earnings, and the government expects the Commission's recommendations in October. [3]
  What the source says

  the current benchmark of two-thirds of median hourly earnings for the National Living Wage … recommendations in October

What the engine is tracking now

The engine has no current indexed analysis on these costs. We do not fill the gap with guesses; check back, or run the cost exposure check below.

The costs behind this briefing: Wage costs: what the engine tracks.

Next update. We will update this page when the Low Pay Commission's recommendation and the government's decision are published.

Sources

Every figure and date above was checked against these primary sources on 11 October 2026.

1. GOV.UK — National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates — https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates
2. Low Pay Commission — Consultation letter 2026 — https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/low-pay-commission-consultation-2026/lpc-consultation-letter-2026
3. Department for Business and Trade — Low Pay Commission remit 2026 — https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-minimum-wage-and-national-living-wage-low-pay-commission-remit-2026/letter-from-peter-kyle-to-low-pay-commission-remit-2026

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