Younger workers to get the National Living Wage

The government has announced that it will lower the age threshold for workers entitled to the National Living Wage (NLW), following a recommendation from the Low Pay Commission. At the moment, only workers aged 25 or older are entitled to the NLW, which is currently set at £8.21 per hour. A lower rate of the national minimum wage is payable to workers aged 21 to 24. According to the Chancellor’s announcement, from April 2021 the NLW will apply to those aged 23 and over, with a further lowering of the threshold to age 21 within five years.

In making its recommendation, the Low Pay Commission said that, particularly in low-pay sectors, 21 to 24-year olds generally do the same work as older workers. There is little difference in experience and productivity between these age groups.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Please note that the law may have changed since this article was published.