General · 1 April 2026
UK minimum wage rises to £12.71 as firms warn of job cuts
The UK minimum wage for those aged 21+ has risen to £12.71, benefiting about 2.7 million workers, with younger employees also receiving a pay boost. While workers welcome the increase, businesses warn higher costs could lead to price rises, slower hiring or job cuts. The change reflects efforts to raise incomes while balancing pressure on employers.
Reported by BBC · How we write briefs