Hospitality Industry: Living Wage and Young People
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the level of dependence of the hospitality industry on younger employees and those paid the National Living Wage.
Answered by Kate Dearden
Hospitality employs many young people - with ONS statistics reporting that around 42% of all hospitality workers are between the ages of 16-24 (2023). That is why, from April 2026, foundation apprenticeships will expand into hospitality, with up to £2,000 available for non‑levy‑paying SMEs hiring apprentices aged 16–24.
The Low Pay Commission reports that 24.6% of hospitality jobs in 2025 were paid at or close to the statutory minimum. This reflects combined statutory minimum‑wage exposure and does not provide NLW‑only estimates.
From 1 April 2026, the NLW will rise by 4.1% to £12.71 for eligible workers aged 21 and over.
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