April 2026 Pay Changes: National Living Wage and Implications for Employers

From 1 April 2026, the new UK hourly minimum pay rates are: £12.71 for workers aged 21 and over, £10.85 for 18–20 year olds, and £8.00 for both 16–17 year olds and apprentices. The government guidance and the 2026 rates publication confirm those figures and percentage rises.

For employers, the practical point is that payroll must reflect the new rates from the first pay reference period starting on or after 1 April 2026. Apprentices only qualify for the apprentice rate if they are under 19, or 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship; otherwise they must be paid the age-appropriate rate.

For sponsored workers, this matters beyond basic payroll compliance. Even where an employee is lawfully paid the minimum wage, sponsors still need to ensure the worker meets the relevant Skilled Worker salary thresholds and going-rate requirements, where those rules apply, because minimum wage compliance and immigration salary compliance are not the same issue. That latter point is an inference based on how wage law and sponsorship rules operate alongside each other.

Need Support?

If you are a sponsor managing migrant workers, particularly in health and social care, it is essential to align your HR, payroll, and immigration compliance systems.

At Tulia, we support organisations with:

• Sponsor licence compliance audits

• SMS reporting strategies

• Policies aligned with Home Office expectations

• Training for HR and management teams

If you need support please book a business immigration consultation here https://calendly.com/info-56205/business-immigration-consultation