Based on 2026/27 England, Wales & Northern Ireland tax rates. Assumes standard tax code 1257L, no student loan, no pension contributions. Scotland has different income tax bands.
PeriodGrossTake-home
Per hour£12.00£10.44
Per day£90.00£78.34
Per week£450.00£391.68
Per month£1,950.00£1,697.30
Per year£23,400.00£20,367.60
This is below the National Living Wage of £12.71/hour for workers aged 21 and over.
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At £12 per hour, the pay rate is below the 2026 National Living Wage of £12.71 for workers aged 21 and over. For most adult employees in the UK, £12/hour is only legal for apprentices or workers aged 16 to 17 — employers must pay at least the NLW for other age groups.
On a gross annual salary of £23,400, HMRC deducts £2,166 in income tax and £866 in employee National Insurance for 2026/27 — leaving a take-home of £20,368 per year, or roughly £1,697 per month.
The first £12,570 of income is tax-free (the personal allowance). Earnings between £12,571 and £50,270 are taxed at 20%; between £50,271 and £125,140 at 40%; and above £125,140 at 45%. Employee National Insurance is 8% on earnings between £12,570 and £50,270 and 2% above that.
Working 40 hours vs 37.5 hours
These figures assume a 37.5-hour working week. At 40 hours per week the annual gross rises to £24,960. After tax and NI the take-home at 40 hours is approximately £21,491 per year.
Questions about £12 per hour
£12 per hour is £23,400 per year gross, based on a 37.5-hour working week and 52 weeks a year (1,950 hours per year). At 40 hours per week the annual equivalent is £24,960.