Chancellor John Healey has declined to guarantee that Labour will equalise minimum wages for workers aged 18 to 20 and those aged 21 and over before the next general election, while insisting the policy remains a Government objective.
In an interview for the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, reported on 31 October 2026, Healey said ministers would take the change one step at a time, balancing wage increases against opportunities for young people to find work.
No deadline for equal pay rates
The Chancellor did not give a completion date when asked whether the lower adult rate would disappear before the next election. He maintained that the question was when, rather than whether, equalisation would happen. Labour’s 2024 manifesto committed to removing age-based adult minimum wage bands, but did not specify a deadline before the next election.
April 2027 minimum wage rates
The Government has accepted the Low Pay Commission’s recommendations for increases of 3.9% from 1 April 2027. The hourly rate for workers aged 21 and over will rise from £12.71 to £13.21; the rate for those aged 18 to 20 will increase from £10.85 to £11.27. The 16–17 and apprentice rates will rise from £8.00 to £8.31.
The gap between the two adult rates will remain £1.94 an hour. At 37.5 hours per week, that amounts to £72.75 per week or £3,783 annually before tax for two employees paid the respective statutory minimums.
Why has the pace slowed?
The Low Pay Commission recommended pausing progress towards aligning the adult rates because demand for younger workers has weakened. It said available evidence did not establish that earlier minimum wage increases had caused falling youth employment, but further large increases could carry risks. The commission continues to support the longer-term ambition to lower the National Living Wage eligibility age to 18.
Political and economic debate
Supporters of equalisation argue that younger adults face similar living costs and should receive the same statutory minimum for equivalent work. Employers, particularly in hospitality and retail, have raised concerns about wage bills and hiring. Healey said the Government would seek to work with employers and trade unions as it considers future increases.
What happens next?
The announced rates take effect on 1 April 2027. Further progress towards equalisation will depend on future Low Pay Commission recommendations and ministerial decisions. The Government has not formally abandoned the pledge, but the Chancellor has not guaranteed when it will be completed.