Union anger at reports that young workers’ minimum wage rates may be retained
In its election manifesto, Labour promised that it would remove the age bands on the minimum wage rates which currently see a worker aged 21 and over earning £12.21 per hour while an 18-year-old colleague is paid £10 per hour.
However, recent press reports have indicated that while the changes are still planned, the Government is considering delaying their introduction. Ministers have neither denied nor confirmed the possibility but instead highlighted that in April 2026 the minimum wage for 18–20-year-olds will go up by 8.5% to £10.85 an hour.
What will the minimum wage be in April 2026?
Reports of a delay in removing the lower band have angered one of the UK’s major unions, UNISON, which has for several years been running a campaign to remove these differences (#OneWageAnyAge).
It argues that workers aged 18 have the same responsibilities at work as older people and that they have to spend the same amount of money on rent, bills and food. Urging the Government to stand by its manifesto commitment, it has called for more action to help young people into work, education and training.
It highlights a lack of investment in further education colleges and the careers service and argues that young people who saw their education disrupted by Covid deserve to start their working lives by being treated fairly and with dignity.
They should not be treated as “less than” just because of their age, Unison concludes.
