The Government has announced that Minimum Wage rates are set to increase in 2026 (Image: PA)

The government has announced that minimum wage rates are set to increase in 2026. From next April, the National Living Wage will rise by 4.1% to £12.71 an hour for eligible workers aged 21 and over, which the government said will increase gross annual earnings of a full-time worker on the rate by £900, benefiting around 2.4 million low-paid workers.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said she had accepted recommendations from the Low Pay Commission so that those on low incomes are "properly rewarded" for their work. The National Minimum Wage rate for 18- to 20-year-olds will increase by 8.5% to £10.85 an hour, narrowing the gap with the National Living Wage .

This will mean an annual earnings incre

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