Pay Rate Changes in April 2026
The apprenticeship minimum wage has risen.
From April, the National Minimum Wage rates are:
- Apprentice rate: £8.00 per hour
- Age 16–18: £8.00 per hour
- Age 18–20 (or apprentices in their second year): £10.85 per hour
- Age 21 and over: £12.71 per hour (National Living Wage)
For apprentices specifically:
- £8.00 per hour applies to all apprentices in their first year, regardless of age
- After 12 months (second year), pay moves to the relevant age band, with a minimum of £10.85 per hour
Apprenticeship benefits:
- £1,000 government incentive for hiring 16–18‑year‑olds.
- No employer National Insurance to pay on apprentices under 25.
- 100% government‑funded training for apprentices aged 16–21 for small to medium size salons
- Apprentices aged 22+ are 95% funded, with employers contributing just 5%.
Sick Leave Changes in April 2026
From 6 April 2026, Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) will be paid from the first day of sickness, removing the previous three‑day waiting period. It will also apply to all employees, including lower‑paid or part‑time staff who were previously excluded. SSP will now be calculated at 80% of average weekly earnings or £123.25, whichever is lower.
What this means for your salon:
- Expect more short‑notice absences to qualify for SSP.
- Tracking attendance and updating policies becomes essential.
Simple steps to stay in control:
- Refresh your sickness policy and share expectations clearly.
- Use return‑to‑work chats to reduce casual absences.
- Remind apprentices of professional standards around attendance.
Please let us know if you would like some further guidance on anything within our newsletter and the upcoming changes.