Businesses across Omagh and the wider Fermanagh & Omagh District should prepare for upcoming changes to minimum wage rates, which will rise from 1 April 2026.
Every year, the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage increase on 1 April. These new rates will apply to all eligible workers in Northern Ireland and are particularly important for employers in retail, hospitality, care, manufacturing, and other sectors with large hourly-paid workforces.
New Minimum Wage Rates from April 2026
| Minimum Wage Category | Current Rate (2025–26) | New Rate (from April 2026) | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Living Wage (21+) | £12.21 | £12.71 | 4.1% |
| National Minimum Wage (18–20) | £10.00 | £10.85 | 8.5% |
| National Minimum Wage (16–17) | £7.55 | £8.00 | 6% |
| Apprentice Rate | £7.55 | £8.00 | 6% |
What Local Employers Should Do Now
✔ Review your payroll to ensure compliance by 1 April 2026
✔ Check the ages and categories of all hourly-paid staff
✔ Update contracts, offer letters and internal policies
✔ Plan for the financial impact, especially for larger teams
✔ Ensure apprentices and younger workers are correctly banded
These changes are legally required, and early preparation will help Omagh employers avoid penalties and protect staff fairness.
Read more on the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates.
