2026/27 Umbrella Minimum Rates – now live in Stride!

Every year post- Budget, the number one thing our agency partners ask us is how tax and minimum wage changes will impact umbrella assignment rates.

This year, our rapidly evolving Stride technology means we have these rates faster than ever – right now in fact!  We’re pleased to let you know that the 2026/27 calculator is already live in your Stride dashboard.

In the Budget, the Chancellor confirmed increases to the National Living Wage (NLW) and National Minimum Wage (NMW), coming into effect from April 2026:

• NLW (21+): rising from £12.21 to £12.71 per hour 
• NMW (18–20): increasing by 8.5% to £10.85 per hour 

Impact on minimum PAYE umbrella rates

As  minimum wage rates increase, so too do the minimum assignment rates required to engage workers via PAYE umbrella. An umbrella assignment rate must always be sufficiently higher than direct PAYE to cover all employment costs while still ensuring the worker earns at least NLW/NMW.

The good news: our 2026/27 umbrella rate calculator is now live in Stride – giving you complete clarity, instantly.

With the calculator you can, in seconds:

• Generate a tailored take-home pay breakdown showing every employer and employee deduction.
• Provide contractors with their projected 2026/27 take-home pay.
• See uplift rates from PAYE to umbrella, so you understand the true cost of engagement.
• Get full visibility of the assignment rate you’ll need to pay from April to protect NLW/NMW.
• Text contractors their full pay illustration instantly, including their contract and umbrella application form.

Proactive Support

Ahead of April 2026, we will be reviewing the assignment rates of every Liquid Friday PAYE umbrella contractor to identify any that could fall below NLW/NMW once employment costs are applied. Where needed, we will work proactively with you to resolve any risks well in advance.

In the meantime, the 2026/27 calculator is live NOW in your Stride dashboard.
No stalling contractors. No guesswork.

If you’re not yet using Stride, just click below or get in touch with the team – we’ll set you up with a login.

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