Minimum wage is leaving younger workers behind, warns TUC

14 Sep 2017 11:28 AM

​​​​​​​The TUC is warning that the national minimum wage (NMW) risks leaving younger workers behind, as it gives evidence to the Low Pay Commission (LPC) today (Thursday)

An increase to the minimum wage will come into force in April 2018, but the new top rate will only apply to workers over 25. 

The TUC is calling for:

• the top rate of the minimum wage to be extended to all workers aged 21 and above
• the rates for 16 to 20-year-olds to be increased, and
• for more resources for enforcement to ensure the new higher rate is being paid to all who qualify. 

As the 21-24 rate is growing more slowly that the amount paid to older workers, TUC analysis reveals that the gap between the pay of people in this age group and those over 25 has widened by more than £400 a year.

The TUC published research last week that one in eight working people are skipping meals because they can’t afford to eat, and will also warn the LPC today that the proposed rise in the NMW will not be enough to combat in-work poverty. 

The TUC argues that with high levels of employment and record corporate profits, employers can afford a strong increase in the minimum wage, and that the LPC should be bold in its recommendation of a new rate to government.

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