Britain’s minimum wage has been set for major changes under Labor as the cost of living rises

British government ministers are preparing to announce a significant change to the minimum wage. This change will now include the cost of living in its calculation, and the gap between the minimum wage of younger and older workers is expected to narrow.

This next announcement follows a recent poll which found that 70% of voters believe the lower pay for 18-20 year olds should be scrapped entirely. Although the Low Pay Commission (LPC) provides suggested rates to ministers, it is not currently mandatory for these recommendations to take into account whether low-paid workers can support themselves financially.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has directed this independent organization to consider the future cost of living for their future proposals. In a statement to The Mirror, he said: “For too long working people have faced the cost of living crisis at its worst, but this government is taking bold action to tackle it and make work pay.”

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He added: “The new mandate to the LPC is the first of many vital steps we will take to support more people to stay in work and improve living standards. Our focus remains on putting more money in the pockets of working people and driving economic growth.”

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said: “For too many doing a serious shift, work doesn’t pay enough to cover the basics. That’s why we’re moving fast to restore the safety and dignity of all those working hard to build this country from the ground up – giving hope to those struggling to make life better for themselves and their families,” reports the Liverpool Echo.

“Our new deal will protect working adults on a real living wage, creating a stronger, fairer and more ambitious future for work in Britain.”

Mr Reynolds is to direct the LPC to reduce the gap between the minimum wage for 18-20 year olds and the National Living Wage as a “first step” towards eliminating the lower rate of pay for younger staff.

According to a poll by the Trades Union Congress (TUC), around 71% of voters supported removing “discriminatory” minimum wage age ranges, which result in younger workers earning less than their older counterparts for an amount equal work. . The poll showed broad support for all workers aged 18 and over receiving the same minimum wage, as evidenced by high levels of support from Labor (82%), Tories (64%), Lib Dem (76%), Green (88%). %) and reform voters (69%) for the proposed change.

TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: “Everyone should be paid a fair rate for their work. But hundreds of thousands of young workers suffer a huge pay penalty because of an outdated and discriminatory system. cost of living pressures like everyone else shouldn’t get paid less for doing the same work as older workers’.