Autumn Budget 2026: what will the minimum wage rise cost your practice?

From 1 April 2027, the National Living Wage rises by 3.9% to £13.21 an hour. The rates for younger staff and apprentices go up by the same amount. This was confirmed in the Autumn Budget 2026 on 28 October.

For many practices, this will affect reception, administration and healthcare assistant pay. Staff already paid just above the minimum may also expect a rise to keep pay gaps between roles.

The Budget does not say how GP contract funding for 2027/28 will reflect this. So it helps to know your likely extra cost now, before contract negotiations and budget setting.

Use the calculator below to estimate it.

How to use the calculator

1. Add one line for each role, with the age band, current hourly rate, weekly hours and number of staff.

2. Add a percentage if you plan to raise pay for staff already above the minimum.

3. Enter your employer pension rate.

4. Read your estimated extra cost per year and per month.

The calculator opens with an example practice. Replace the figures with your own.

What it includes, and what it does not

The estimate covers extra pay, employer National Insurance and employer pension. It does not include overtime, sick pay, or any change to GP contract funding. If your practice claims the Employment Allowance, some of the extra National Insurance may already be covered.

Read more

For a summary of what the Autumn Budget 2026 means for the NHS and primary care, read Autumn Budget 2026: what it means for the NHS and primary care, please click here: https://www.thcprimarycare.co.uk/post/autumn-budget-2026-what-it-means-for-the-nhs-and-primary-care

Support

Facilitation

If your network would benefit from a neutral voice for those tricky discussions, we also provide in-person facilitation.

Interim Management

We're a great fit if you are struggling to recruit and need someone who can hit the ground running until you're ready to hire your permanent PCN Manager.

Contact admin@thcprimarycare.co.uk to discuss the support you may need.

Never miss a blog again