National Minimum Wage - From April 2026
The UK Government has confirmed the new National Minimum Wage (NMW) rates coming into effect from April 2026. These are particularly important for families and childcare professionals within the nanny and au pair sector.
Below, we break down the updated rates and what they mean for nannies, au pairs, and families who employ childcare workers through PAYE arrangements.
🔎 New National Minimum Wage Rates for 2026
From April 2026, the National Minimum Wage will rise as follows:
Ages 21 and over
- £12.71 per hour
- Increase: 4.1%
Ages 18–20
- £10.85 per hour
- Increase: 8.5%
These updated rates aim to protect younger workers while ensuring fair pay across all age brackets.
👶 What This Means for Au Pairs/Nannies
For families who employ au pairs/nannies, the 2026 update means:
✔️ Payroll must reflect the new minimums
From April 2026, all hourly or weekly gross pay must meet or exceed the updated rates.
✔️ Live-in employees are still covered
NMW applies to live-in employees, with only the small HMRC accommodation offset permitted if applicable. Accommodation offset will be confirmed in due course, once published.
✔️ Now is the time to review budgets
Families may wish to factor these changes into 2026 childcare planning to avoid last-minute adjustments.
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✅ 2026 Minimum Wage & Accommodation Offset (from 1 April 2026)
|
Age |
Hourly Rate (from 1 Apr 2026) |
|
21 and over (adult) |
£12.71/hr |
|
18–20 years old |
£10.85/hr |
|
Accommodation Offset (if employer provides free accommodation) |
|
£11.10 per day ➝ equivalent to £77.70 per 7-day week GOV.UK |
(Note: The “weekly offset” is just 7 × the daily offset — but if accommodation isn’t provided every day you’d prorate accordingly. NB: Not every family chooses to deduct accommodation offset)
💷 Example Minimum Weekly Pay (after accommodation offset)
Assuming a live-in au pair / live-in carer with 25, 30 or 35 working hours a week, and with free accommodation:
Age 21+ (Adult rate: £12.71/hr)
25 hrs: 25 × £12.71 = £317.75 → minus accommodation offset £77.70 → £240.05
30 hrs: 30 × £12.71 = £381.30 → minus £77.70 → £303.60
35 hrs: 35 × £12.71 = £444.85 → minus £77.70 → £367.15
Age 18–20 (Rate: £10.85/hr)
25 hrs: 25 × £10.85 = £271.25 → minus £77.70 → £193.55
30 hrs: 30 × £10.85 = £325.50 → minus £77.70 → £247.80
35 hrs: 35 × £10.85 = £379.75 → minus £77.70 → £302.05
Resource: GOV.UK
Accommodation Offset - GOV.UK