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Minimum Wage: Young People

Asked by Lee AndersonReform UKDepartment for Business and TradeTabled Answered 2 March 2026UIN 114129

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of minimum wage changes on employment opportunities for 18-20 year olds.

Answered by Kate Dearden

We remain committed to removing discriminatory adult age band. From 1 April, the National Minimum Wage rate for 18 to 20 year olds will increase by 8.5 per cent, continuing to narrow the gap with the National Living Wage and moving towards a single adult rate.

The Department has published an Impact Assessment providing a comprehensive analysis of the 2026 National Minimum Wage rates.

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