The minimum wage rate that apply across the whole of the United Kingdom have risen significantly over these past few years with, the age range of the highest rates is steadily moving to start at age 18 years.
1st April 2025 see the latest rise announced by the Labour government at the Autumn Budget.
The Low Pay Commission (LPC)
The LPC is an independent body which advises the Government on the National Minimum Wage (NMW), including the National Living Wage (NLW). Its Commissioners are drawn from different backgrounds, representing the interests of workers, employers and independent experts.
A big part of their work is hearing first-hand from the workers and employers affected by the minimum wage.
Each year they travel across the UK to meet people affected by the LPC recommendations.
What the LPC does
The LPC make recommendations to the Government on the level of the minimum wage and on related policy issues which affect workers and employers. To do this, they draw on the latest data on the labour market and economy, and first-hand testimony from those directly affected by the minimum wage.
They work through the year to gather evidence. Commissioners negotiate and agree recommendations in the autumn and publish an annual report setting out their advice alongside the evidence and analysis relied on.
Make your views known by giving evidence
The LPC want to hear from about:
- The economy and labour market in your area
- The outlook for pay and employment in your business
- How employers and workers are affected by the rising minimum wage
- Your views on the future of the minimum wage
What the LPC do with the evidence
Evidence provided helps shape Low Pay Commissioners’ thinking about the next steps for the National Minimum Wage, including when they negotiate and agree rates in autumn 2025. All the evidence we hear and data we used are summarised in the annual report.
Everything is treated in confidence. All evidence will be anonymised as appropriate, and nothing attributed without permission.
How can you speak to to the LPC?
This year the LPC will be visiting the following locations:
- Dundee on 19-20 March 2025
- London on 15-16 April 2025
- Swansea on 14-15 May 2025
- Exeter on 11-12 June 2025
- Newry on 2-3 July 2025
- Newcastle on 6-7 August 2025
If you wish to take part, please contact lpc@lowpay.gov.uk or 07341 098734.
They also hold meetings beyond these regional visits. If you can’t make these locations or dates, but still want to contribute, please do get in touch with the LPC.
PATadvice.UK 18/1/2025