National Minimum Wage from April 2027: What Families Need to Know
4 November 2026 · Tuuli
New rates, weekly figures for live-in childcare, and how to prepare now
The Government has confirmed next year’s minimum wage rates. From 1 April 2027, every rate rises by 3.9 per cent, after the Government accepted the Low Pay Commission’s recommendations in full. If you employ an au pair, junior nanny or nanny, now is a good time to check your budget for next year.
The new rates from 1 April 2027
| Rate | Until 31 March 2027 | From 1 April 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Ages 21 and over (National Living Wage) | £12.71/hr | £13.21/hr |
| Ages 18–20 | £10.85/hr | £11.27/hr |
| Accommodation offset (per day) | £11.10 (£77.70 a week) | £11.53 (£80.71 a week) |
The 18–20 rate rises by the same 3.9 per cent as the adult rate this year, rather than moving closer to it, so the gap between the two stays roughly as it is.
Minimum weekly pay for live-in childcare from April 2027
For a live-in au pair, junior nanny or nanny with free accommodation provided every day, the accommodation offset is the only deduction the law allows towards the minimum wage. Here is the minimum gross weekly pay, before and after the offset. Not every family chooses to apply the offset.
Age 21 and over (£13.21/hr)
| Hours a week | Gross pay at £13.21/hr | Minimum after offset (£80.71) | Change vs 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 hours | £330.25 | £249.54 | +£9.49 a week |
| 30 hours | £396.30 | £315.59 | +£11.99 a week |
| 35 hours | £462.35 | £381.64 | +£14.49 a week |
| 40 hours | £528.40 | £447.69 | +£16.99 a week |
Age 18–20 (£11.27/hr)
| Hours a week | Gross pay at £11.27/hr | Minimum after offset (£80.71) | Change vs 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 hours | £281.75 | £201.04 | +£7.49 a week |
| 30 hours | £338.10 | £257.39 | +£9.59 a week |
| 35 hours | £394.45 | £313.74 | +£11.69 a week |
| 40 hours | £450.80 | £370.09 | +£13.79 a week |
The weekly offset is 7 × £11.53. If accommodation is not provided every day of the week, it is reduced accordingly. All figures are gross. Au pair placements are usually 25–30 hours a week; 35–40 hours is more typical of a live-in junior nanny or nanny.
How families can prepare
- Check the age of your childcarer. If they turn 21 during the year, the adult rate applies from their birthday.
- Review your budget now. For a 30-hour live-in role at 21 and over, the minimum rises by about £12 a week, or around £624 a year, before employer costs.
- Update your payroll. Make sure your payroll provider applies the new rates from the first pay period on or after 1 April 2027.
- Talk to your childcarer early. A short conversation and a written note of the new weekly pay avoids surprises.
- Remember the minimum is a floor, not the going rate. Good candidates in London and the Home Counties are usually paid well above it.
The legal minimum vs what families actually pay
| Role | Legal minimum from April 2027 (21+) | Typical market rate |
|---|---|---|
| Live-out nanny | £13.21/hr gross | £18–25 gross per hour — more for specialist roles such as maternity |
| Live-in nanny | £13.21/hr, less accommodation offset | From £15 gross per hour |
Save 20% on payroll with Nannytax
Nannytax can handle your nanny or au pair payroll, including the April 2027 changes. Smart Au Pairs & Nannies families save 20% with the code SMARTCHILDCARE20. Visit Nannytax
Need a hand?
If you would like help working out what next year means for your family, or you are planning a new search for 2027, book a call or WhatsApp us.
Source: Low Pay Commission on GOV.UK, 28 October 2026. This article is general information, not legal or payroll advice.