We’re looking at some of the changes coming to Scotland this year in 2026.
The minimum hourly wage is set to rise a further time this coming April.
The National Living Wage, the minimum wage rate for all workers aged 21 and over, will see a 4.1 per cent increase to £12.71 per hour. The largest percentage increase however will be for 18 – 20 year olds. The minimum wage for individuals aged between 18 and 20 will rise to £10.85, and the rate for 16 and 17 year olds will go up to £8.00.
The government maintains this rate rise will ensure “a real-terms pay rise for low-paid workers” and signifies progress towards aligning the rate for 18 to 20 year olds with the National Living Wage.
The new rates from April 2026 will be as follows:.
- National Living Wage (21 and over): £12.71 per hour – an increase of 50p.
- Rate for age 18-20: £10.85 per hour – an increase of 85p.
- Rate for age 16-17: £8.00 per hour – an increase of 45p.
- Apprentice Rate: £8.00 per hour – an increase of 45p
Nobody in Scotland over the age of 16, even apprentices, should ever be paid a wage less than the minimum £8 / hour from April.
