Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the minimum wage for people aged under 18; and if he will make a statement.

The Low Pay Commission (LPC) is an independent body that advises the Government about the National Minimum Wage, including the rate for 16-17 year olds. The LPC recommended that from October 2015 the 16-17 year old rate would be £3.87 an (increase of 2.2%). The LPC’s recommendations follow consultation with businesses and workers and their representatives, together with extensive research and analysis. The LPC’s report can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-minimum-wage-low-pay-commission-report-2015. Having considered the LPC’s report, the Government accepted its recommendation and laid draft uprating regulations in Parliament on 23 June 2015.