The National Union of Students went further, also calling for the apprentice minimum wage to be raised to match the national minimum wage.
The National Union of Students has urged the Low Pay Commission to abolish all age-related minimum wage bands following a TUC survey that shows that the majority of people believe everyone over 18 should have the same minimum wage.
- 7 in 10 (71%) voters support scrapping “discriminatory” minimum wage age bands that see younger workers paid less than older colleagues for doing the same work, according to new TUC polling published today (Sunday).
- The poll shows huge support across the political spectrum for all workers aged 18 and over being paid the same minimum wage rate – with a large majority of 2024 Labour (82%), Conservative (64%), Lib Dem (76%), Green (88%) and Reform (69%) voters all backing the change.
The findings come following the government’s pledge in the King’s speech to remove discriminatory age bands and to turn the minimum wage into a genuine living wage.
NUS have also asked the Low Pay Commission to raise the apprentice minimum wage to the living wage as part of their campaign with the National Society of Apprentices.
Commenting, Qasim Hussain, NUS UK Vice President Further Education, said:
“It is heartening to see that the overwhelming majority of people believe in equal pay for young people. Workers should be paid the same wage if they're doing the same job, whether we're under or over 20 shouldn't make a difference.
“Many young people are expected to chip in to their family’s finances, and many have families of their own they need to support. From 16, you can live independently; paying for your own rent, bills and food. No matter your age, you will feel the impact of the cost-of-living crisis.
“We urge the Low Pay Commission to listen to the TUC’s findings and abolish age-related minimum wage bands.
“We would also strongly recommend that the Low Pay Commission abolishes the apprentice minimum wage, so that all workers in the UK receive fair pay and are able to support themselves and their families.”
