Healey hints Labour may delay equalising minimum wage for young workers before next election

Chancellor John Healey suggested in a BBC interview that Labour may not close the minimum wage gap between workers aged 18-20 and those over 20 before the next election. Healey stated the government would "take one step at a time," hinting the plan to equalise rates could be delayed to encourage businesses to hire younger staff. In 2026, the minimum wage for 18 to 20-year-olds will rise to £11.27, while those over 20 will receive £13.21. Healey said the equalisation was a matter of "when" and "how fast," acknowledging a "moral shame" of a million young people "written off" from the workforce.