Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what representations have been made to his Department on the effect of the increase in the minimum wage on small businesses.

This Department has regular and frequent discussions with businesses of all sizes and across all sectors on a wide range of issues including the National Minimum Wage (NMW). In addition, the Low Pay Commission (LPC) will continue to play a key role in recommending the NMW and National Living Wage (NLW) rates going forward. In their report to Government the LPC consults widely and considers and reflects the views and representations from a wide range of businesses and sectors of the economy.