UK minimum wage 2027: 18-20s get £11.27, no faster rise than adults

Young workers aged 18 to 20 in the United Kingdom will see their minimum wage rise to £11.27 an hour from April 2027, the same 3.9% increase as older workers, under figures confirmed alongside the UK Budget on October 28, 2026. The National Living Wage, the legal minimum for those aged 21 and over, will rise 3.9% to £13.20 an hour. Because both rates rise by the same percentage, the cash gap between younger and older workers will not narrow next year, and the Labour government faces accusations of breaking its manifesto pledge to move towards a single living wage for all adults.

In Britain, the legal minimum hourly pay depends on age. Workers aged 21 and over get the National Living Wage, while those aged 18 to 20, under 18, and apprentices have lower rates. The idea behind lower youth rates is that young people have less experience and that cheaper wages encourage employers to give them a first job. Critics say it is unfair to pay a 19-year-old less than a 22-year-old for the same work.

Labour's manifesto pledged to close the gap between the youth rate and the National Living Wage and create a living wage for "all adults". Until now, it moved towards that by raising the youth rate faster than the adult rate each year. Keeping both increases at 3.9% for 2027 pauses that progress. That is why the decision has drawn criticism from campaigners who say young workers are being left behind.

The government has not set out in these reports why it chose equal increases this year. One possible reason is concern about the cost of hiring young people for entry-level jobs, but whatever the reason, the decision leaves young workers facing the same living costs as everyone else on lower pay.

For Indian students and young professionals in the UK, the decision matters directly. International students who take part-time jobs while studying are covered by the same minimum wage rules, so those aged 18 to 20 are entitled to at least the youth rate. Anyone planning to study or work in Britain should note the April 2027 rates when budgeting.

Short-term: Young workers will get a pay rise in April 2027, but no faster than older colleagues, and the political row over the manifesto promise is likely to continue.

Long-term: Whether the government resumes faster increases for younger workers, or lowers the living wage age to 20, will decide when its pledge of one adult rate is met. Employers will watch for any further changes in future Budgets.

Who is affected: UK workers aged 18 to 20, including international students working part-time, employers in retail and hospitality, and low-paid workers aged 21 and over.

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