What is the minimum wage in the UK?

From April 2026, the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.71 an hour. It is £10.85 for ages 18 to 20, and £8.00 for 16 to 17 year olds and apprentices. These rates usually rise every April.

How much paid holiday am I entitled to?

Most workers are entitled to at least 5.6 weeks of paid holiday a year (28 days for someone working 5 days a week, which can include bank holidays). Part-time workers get a proportional amount.

Do I have to be paid at least the minimum wage?

Yes. Almost all workers must be paid at least the National Minimum or Living Wage for their age. It is illegal for an employer to pay less, and this applies regardless of your immigration background.

Careers & Work·5 min read

Your Rights at Work in the UK

Published 27 July 2026

Everyone working in the UK has legal rights, whatever their job, pay or background. Knowing them protects you from being underpaid or treated unfairly. This guide covers the basics. Once you are settled into work, these rights apply to you the same as anyone else. If you are still job hunting, see our guide on finding a job.

You must be paid at least the minimum wage

Almost all workers must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage for their age. From April 2026 the rates are:

£12.71 an hour for ages 21 and over (the National Living Wage).
£10.85 an hour for ages 18 to 20.
£8.00 an hour for 16 to 17 year olds and apprentices.

These rates usually go up every April. Paying less than the legal minimum is against the law, whatever your background.

Paid holiday

Most workers get at least 5.6 weeks of paid holiday a year. For someone working 5 days a week, that is 28 days (which can include bank holidays). If you work part-time, you get a proportional amount.

A written statement and payslips

You are entitled to a written statement of your main terms of employment.
You should get an itemised payslip showing your pay and any deductions such as tax and National Insurance.

Safe and fair treatment

You have the right to a safe workplace and reasonable rest breaks.
You are protected from discrimination on grounds such as race, religion, sex, age or disability.
You are protected from being unfairly treated for asserting your rights.

If something is wrong

If you are paid below the minimum wage, denied holiday, or treated unfairly, you can get free, confidential advice from services such as ACAS or Citizens Advice. You do not have to accept unlawful treatment. Knowing your rights, and where to get help, is part of building a secure working life in the UK.