Do you pay the minimum wage in the private sector? From January 2027, it will rise by 1.70 per cent
Reports9 November 2026
What’s changing, who it applies to, and what you need to do to pay the correct amount from the very first payslip of the year.
On 28 October 2026, the National Wages Council approved a 1.70 per cent increase in the minimum wages for the private sector. The change comes into effect on 1 January 2027.
Who does this apply to? It applies to all minimum wages across the country, whether paid on a daily basis or on a piecework or task basis. If you pay anyone the minimum wage, you must apply the increase. It is not optional.
What are the two special cases? Do you have to increase the wages of all staff? What should your company do? Download our report at the bottom of the page.
