18th February 2026
This subject is all over the news so tension is building as to what he government will finally say.
Based on the most recent reporting, the answer is there are strong signs of a possible delay, even though ministers publicly insist the policy has not been abandoned.
Reports suggest the policy may be delayed
Several outlets report that ministers are considering delaying the plan to equalise the minimum wage between younger and older workers.
According to Yahoo News UK, ministers are reviewing the pledge after warnings that equalisation could be contributing to youth unemployment.
The Times (summarised in the same report) also suggested the policy is under review for similar reasons.
This indicates that the government is at least reassessing the timing.
Ministers publicly deny any U‑turn
Despite the reports, ministers have stated that the government's commitment to equalisation "has not changed."
The Welsh Secretary insisted there has been no U‑turn on the manifesto pledge to remove age bands in the minimum wage.
This means the official line is still supportive — but the background briefing suggests hesitation.
The BBC has also reported the change could be delayed
The Yahoo News UK article notes that the BBC reported the policy could be delayed, even if not cancelled.
This reinforces the idea that the government may be slowing down implementation rather than scrapping it.
Why the delay is being considered
According to the reporting:
Some ministers fear that raising the minimum wage for younger workers to match older workers could increase the cost of hiring young people.
There are concerns this could contribute to a "jobless generation" if employers cut back on youth hiring.
These concerns appear to be driving the internal review.
What the official policy documents say
The government's broader employment rights programme the Plan to Make Work Pay is being rolled out in phases, with ongoing consultation. This suggests that timing changes are possible, even if the commitment remains.
Publicly ministers say the government is still committed to equalising the minimum wage for young people.
Privately / in reporting multiple sources indicate the policy may be delayed, not cancelled, due to concerns about youth employment impacts.
So yes — it is looking likely that the government may hold back on the timing, even if they deny a full reversal.
Arguments For Equalising the Minimum Wage
Reduces in‑work poverty and inequality
Raising the minimum wage for younger workers can reduce poverty and narrow income gaps.
Economics Help notes that higher minimum wages reduce in‑work poverty and inequality.
Prevents exploitation of young workers
Research on UK minimum wage policy highlights that minimum wages protect vulnerable workers from being underpaid.
Equalising rates strengthens that protection for young people, who are often in insecure or low‑bargaining‑power jobs.
Encourages productivity improvements
Higher wages can push firms to invest in training, technology, and better management practices.
Economics Help identifies productivity gains as a potential benefit of higher minimum wages.
Simplifies the system and removes perceived discrimination
Age‑tiered minimum wages are increasingly criticised as unfair.
LSU Media highlights the debate over whether lower youth rates amount to age‑based discrimination.
Equalisation creates a single, clearer standard.
5. Boosts local economies through higher spending
Young workers tend to spend most of their income locally.
Higher wages can stimulate demand in low‑income areas, supporting small businesses.
Arguments Against Equalising the Minimum Wage
Risk of higher youth unemployment
This is the biggest concern raised in the reporting.
Personnel Today notes that the government is considering delaying equalisation because of record youth unemployment, and fears that higher wage floors could worsen it.
Economic theory supports this risk:
If labour costs rise, employers may hire fewer young workers or reduce hours.
Increased business costs — especially in low‑wage sectors
Economics Help warns that rapid increases in minimum wages can raise business costs, especially in low‑wage sectors and depressed regions.
Sectors heavily reliant on young workers — hospitality, retail, tourism — may struggle most.
Potential for job substitution
Research on young workers shows that higher minimum wages can lead employers to:
Hire older, more experienced workers instead
Automate entry‑level tasks
Reduce training opportunities
The London Economics report summarised in the Low Pay Commission research highlights that minimum wages can reduce demand for the least productive workers.
Risk of offshoring or automation
The same research notes that low‑skill jobs are increasingly vulnerable to automation or offshoring when labour costs rise.
Regional disparities
Economics Help points out that negative effects are worse in low‑wage regions.
This is relevant because youth employment is often concentrated in lower‑paying areas.