News » HR Zone news » National Living Wage increases mooted
May 9th 2025
The National Living Wage (NLW) could increase to up to £12.80/hour from April 2026, the Low Pay Commission (LPC) has advised.
It could also apply to all workers aged 18 and over. Currently, the NLW only applies to workers aged 21 and over.
In a consultation, the LPC says that the NLW aims to reflect two-thirds of median earnings, which produces a central estimate of £12.65/hour for 2026. However, this could rise in line with stronger than predicted wage growth.
A consultation, open until June 30, seeks views including on the impact of a reduction in the age threshold and the affordability and effects of an increase in April 2026 of the NLW rate.
