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ARTICLE · 07 APRIL 2026

Employment Essentials: The April 2026 Legislative Changes

Gowling WLG
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April this year brings a shower of employment legislative changes with the vast majority coming into force on 6 April. Here we provide a quick reminder of the changes and the numbers employers need to know.

CanadaEmployment and HR
Jonathan Chamberlain
Jonathan Chamberlain
Connie Cliff
Connie Cliff
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April this year brings a shower of employment legislative changes with the vast majority coming into force on 6 April. Here we provide a quick reminder of the changes and the numbers employers need to know.

For more detail of these changes and more changes to come see our regularly updated Employment Essentials: Employment law changes 2026 and beyond.

1 April

National minimum wages increases

The National Minimum Wage rates increase:

  • For those aged 21+ year olds (the national living wage): £12.71 per hour (previously £12.21)
  • For 18 to 20 year olds: £10.85 per hour (previously £10.00)
  • For 16 to 17 year olds: £8.00 per hour (previously £7.55)
  • For apprentices: £8.00 per hour (previously £7.55)

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