HMRC has issued a warning urging UK households to check their pay after a significant wage increase in April, thanks to the Labour Party government. The taxman took to X to advise people to verify their earnings following the uplift.
HMRC stated: “National Minimum Wage has increased. No need to wait for payday surprises. Check your pay before it lands in your bank with the HMRC app. Download it today.”
The government announced the 2026 increases to the National Minimum Wage, including the National Living Wage. The National Living Wage for over 21-year-olds will rise by 50p per hour to £12.71, a 4.1% increase.
The National Minimum Wage for those aged 18 to 20 will increase to £10.85, an 8.5% uplift. For 16 and 17-year-olds, the rate will rise to £8 per hour, a 6% increase.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed that she had accepted the Low Pay Commission’s recommendations again this year. “I know that the cost of living is still the number one issue for working people and that the economy isn’t working well enough for those on the lowest incomes,” she said.
“Too many people are still struggling to make ends meet and that has to change. That’s why I’m announcing that we will raise the national living wage and also the national minimum wage, so that those on low incomes are properly rewarded for their hard work. These changes are going to benefit many young people across our country, getting their first job.”
The changes mean an annual earnings increase of £1,500 for a full-time worker and mark further progress towards the government’s goal of phasing out 18-20 wage bands and establishing a single adult rate.
Paul Nowak, the general secretary of the TUC, said: “The government is delivering on its promise to make work pay. With living costs stubbornly high, an above-inflation pay rise will make a real difference to the lowest-paid. Putting more money in people’s pockets is good for workers and good for the economy as it goes straight back into our high streets and local businesses. And sticking with plans to scrap youth rates is absolutely the right call. Young workers have bills like everyone else and deserve a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work. It’s right they see a larger rise as youth rates are phased out.”
