Should the government raise the national minimum wage?
Tabled in 2015, and officially introduced in 2016, the National Living Wage is a wage scheme designed to be higher than the minimum wage. It applies to all those aged 23 and up who are not in the first year of an apprenticeship. From 1 April 2022, the National Living Wage stands at £9.50 per hour. For the vast majority of workers in the UK, the minimum wage in 2022 will see increases across the board across each relevant age range. That includes wages for 16-17-year-olds (£4.81 with a 4.1% increase), 18-20-year-olds (£6.83 with a 4.1% increase) and 21-22-year-olds (£9.18 with a 9.8% increase).
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@9LK7238Liberal Democrat2yrs2Y
Yes and adjust it to inflation but ensure other wages for jobs with more academic requirements and also raised
@8Y6PXGY4yrs4Y
@942YTGP4yrs4Y
Yes, and adjust it every year above inflation.
@B925PRY 4mos4MO
I think that it should be raised every year in line with inflation, however I also agree with the view that this created a never ending cycle of increasing prices as well. Employers should be held to account to ensure that their employees are definitely receiving an appropriate minimum wage. This cycle of increasing prices begins when a gap is created between wages and prices. If employers are held to account to pay their employees fairly, prices will not need to go up, and minimum wage will not need to increase. If minimum wage increases too much, this creates the risk of people struggling… Read more
@B8GCBZC5mos5MO
We should increase the national minimum wage and adjust it every year according to inflation, so that way we can make it so that low income citizens have a more comfortable lifestyle where they can afford their basic needs without issue. We should also make sure that companies that sell products like snacks should have their prices reduced to be affordable by many, and make it so that products that are essential needs to citizens should be inexpensive and affordable to everyone.
Wages should be set by negotiations between labour unions and the wider sector as part of a corporatist structure
@B6WNMKT8mos8MO
Increasing minimum wage is a long term goal that is currently impossible due to lack of coordination in the economy . Increasing employment and qualifications instead
@9Q7XG4H2yrs2Y
Yes, but also raise the tax threshold above the level of a full time minimum wage salary, so they are not paying tax on minimum wage.
@9Q7M2K7Liberal Democrat2yrs2Y
A mix of yes they should but I also have concerns for smaller businesses who may not be able to afford it, but there needs to be a review of how people can afford to live - the comment about ‘minimum wage jobs are meant to develop experience, not support a family’ is shocking…..working in hospitality or retail often means working for minimum wage but they may be someone choice of career
@9Q76SW82yrs2Y
Minimum wage was a excellent labour policy. But certain jobs should never be Minimum wage .. example nursery nurses. The companies make alot of mo ey from.working parents.. the actual staff receive nothing. Same with care workers. Very unfair but bit sure how you address it unless you increase Minimum wage which again these workers should be making Considerably more.
@9Q6FJ652yrs2Y
No, inflation should be cut, and businesses should be band from making huge profits on necessary services
@9Q6BS432yrs2Y
Maybe add a small percentage added to lower income people that may not have the best occupation as they may not have the right qualifications because of certain reasons
@9Q6B9VH2yrs2Y
Rather than increase minimum wage, the government should raise the income tax threshold so that lower-earners don't pay income tax on their wage.
@9Q636GC2yrs2Y
Not unless they are prepared to raise public service wages adequately . How can you equate low skilled workers earning similar wages to nurses ? ? Refuse collector drivers earn the same as entry level nurses
@9PYMPQH2yrs2Y
No, but increase the allowance before tax kicks in to £20K per year. This way it takes the pressure off small businesses and gives a pay increase to the lower paid.
@9PYK8ZP2yrs2Y
Yes but other wages should increase in line otherwise the gap between a achieved wage and minimum is impacting the value of higher earned by education, experience wages.
@9PXVP56Liberal Democrat2yrs2Y
The minimum wage should be increased based on a representation of median real-term wage increases of earners below the 40% tax threshold. Age bands should be removed entirely.
@9PXQKRT2yrs2Y
Yes however people with a trade need to be recognised as valued by a better wage in comparison with minimum wage
@9PXPVNT2yrs2Y
Government should work on lowering the cost of living rather than constantly playing catch up with corporate demands
@9PTN8DR2yrs2Y
Raise minimum wage but then scale up to all other wages. Instead of raising the lowest and keeping those in the middle on the same wages
@9PTN2282yrs2Y
Yes with inflation foe adults but allow 11plus to do some types of work fpr pocket money to gain experience and save up for higher education and buying first home
@9PSG46J2yrs2Y
No, trade unions in cooperation with employers should set the minimum wage in an industry, not the state.
@9PLTTPQ2yrs2Y
They should enforce employers to offer annual pay reviews where they increase their wage each year at least in line with inflation
@9PKT62T2yrs2Y
No, because they are no longer aligned with salaries making experienced employees worse off. Reduce the need for a higher minimum wage
@9PKQVH2Count Binface2yrs2Y
Depends on the company hiring, a multi million/billion company should have it raised but small individual companies shouldn't
@9PKMJW22yrs2Y
Regardless of minimum wage rising the problem is economics and balance of cost living employment and spending wich impacts all of the above so cost of living need to be dramatically reduced
@9PJXV6V2yrs2Y
Yes but also increase other pay as well as due to increasing minimum wage the next pay is only pennies more
@9PHDG222yrs2Y
Yes but jobs not deemed as minimum wage should go up alongside so the gap between them does not close up
@9PFZV9C2yrs2Y
Increase minimum wage but make sure those who are earning above minimum wage are getting the same increases
@9PFHPTP2yrs2Y
No, the government should make sure that living costs are affordable and subsidise if necessary. Small businesses cannot afford such high wages and it stops employment opportunities
@9PDVCGX2yrs2Y
Yes and disallow prices to rise at the same time temporarily to enable a balance of the damage caused by the rate of inflation vs wages. Only allow inflation to increase at the sane rate as wages. We need a better standard of living, and it is tough to get a higher position than entry level for those who work hard, the lazy/incompetent reap all the rewards.
@9P2MG3N2yrs2Y
Keep a % below inflation but support the vulnerable and disabled. More support to get lazy people trained and back into work.
@9P2F86RConservative2yrs2Y
I think the national minimum wage should stay as it is now at around £11 an hour it shouldn’t be raised because that will cause prices to rise in a never ending cycle, but there should still absolutely be a national minimum wage
@9P2C7TR2yrs2Y
All wages should increase with inflation, because raising the minimum wage only brings other senior staffs wages down in real terms
@9P283NX2yrs2Y
Instead of increasing the minimum wage, fetch the cost of living down. Small companies may fold if the minimum wage is not sustainable
@9P27SB92yrs2Y
No, as it is making younger generations less hungry to work hard for success as they just expect to be paid more no matter the output.
@9NZZK8C2yrs2Y
First enforce it because many jobs below the min wage are not yet enforced to the current standards.
@9P23B9G2yrs2Y
The minimum wage is taken as the standard wage for many businesses it is exploited by business to keep wages down
@9NZXSHC2yrs2Y
see i feel like they should but then again they’d prolly have to raise taxes to do this so would be a circle of problems
This hould be done by moving tax brackets so as not to shrink the pay gap between jobs requiring skills and expertise and those that dont
@9NZRFS22yrs2Y
I don't get this .. you don't get 11.44 a hour when your off sick as I am ATM .. when I started in my job you earned more the higher up u got as a chef .. now pot washers earn more than a chef who is salaried . Who runs the kitchen . You ask for a pay rise as it's your food and ments and organisation and extra time bringing in customer. Just to be told they can't afford it because they are paying more for someone washing up ...
@9NZBMXF2yrs2Y
No but make all minimum wage amounts equal (apart from training) abolishing the age brackets and just having the living wage. If you are good enough and hired to do a job then it shouldn’t matter how old you are. It seems a little ageist to me!?
@9NZBLXN2yrs2Y
Yes but then also increase the wage of skilled jobs equally so that there is an incentive to work harder / learn more
@9N4QJ3H2yrs2Y
Yes but also ensuring increase in wages for those above minimum wage so those not on minimum wage don’t essentially receive a pay cut.
@9N47V5S2yrs2Y
Yes but all wages should increase the same percentage, as people with "skill" are having their skill gap eroded by the ever increasing minimum wage increase.
@9N43GJ82yrs2Y
Yes, it should be raised according to inflation. However, delineating by age group means workers are entitled to less money for the same job, this should be resolved.
I think everyone from working age up should receive the same national living wage as the fact that I am older has meant I've lost opportunities to work to younger employees as the companies have to pay them less.
@9DQ5QJXLiberal Democrat3yrs3Y
The minimum wage should only be raised if other salaries are raised in line with this.
@9DPTDZ53yrs3Y
Yes, it should rise in line with RPI, CPI or 5% which ever is the highest at the time.
@9DFT4XF3yrs3Y
Yes for government owned companies, or companies that earn over a certain amount. Not small, independent companies
@9DDDBFM3yrs3Y
Maybe, if inflation rises.
@9DD9MVR3yrs3Y
Yes, but dependent on hours and role
@9D8R9C83yrs3Y
Make it an adjustable living wage based on inflation
@9D7JKZC3yrs3Y
Keep the current system whereby the minimum wage is adjusted formulaically without act of parliament
@9D6LVZD3yrs3Y
No, because it will increase real wage unemployment
@9D4CKK23yrs3Y
Make it a living wage and in accordance with inflation. Minimum wage should also depend on the profession.
@B24R55C1yr1Y
No, because our economy is in deep trouble. We can’t hand more money out. We need to be responsible and tell workers that we aren’t raising minimum wage. Our economy is in bad shape. Increase taxes on imported goods.
Yes, but also promote collective and sectoral bargaining agreements and promote trade union membership
@9QWDBPM2yrs2Y
It is not too bad at the moment i feel. But it should take into account factors like where you live (of course prices are much higher down nei London y Cornwall than up here n Liverpool y Scotland)
@9QVJ4JV2yrs2Y
Yes increase it to a living wage and adjust it each year according to inflation. Also introduce the 20:1 pay ratio rule to reduce wealth inequality.
They should make companies raise other wages who pay the lower tax rate, at the same percentage as national living wage goes up
@9QQ43SB2yrs2Y
Not if other jobs don't go up too, I am thousands in debt training to be a teacher and the gap is narrowing all the time.
@9QPYNDF2yrs2Y
The government should reduce inflation, however, what ever inflation percentage is should be the percentage increase at which NMW increases by, but standard rates of pay should also be enforced to increase inline, making skilled work skilled again, stopping those who work hard from chasing their tale when they put in the work.
@9QKPMGS2yrs2Y
No, as this hits those on a wage little over that have skills and responsibilities that wont be reflected against pay
@9QH6RJC2yrs2Y
Adjust the minimum wage accordingly with living costs however all other wages should be adjusted accordingly too
@9QGBR2WLiberal Democrat2yrs2Y
Minimum wage is now getting very close to the wage of skilled workers, i think that increasing the minimum wage will make de-motivate people to go into skilled jobs that require more committment if they dont get much more money
@9QFJR6K2yrs2Y
Make the living wage suitable for an 18 year old to be able to afford a room, food, clothes, travel to and from work based on 8 hours a day 6 days a week. Ave living wage should be between 1500-1800 a month minimum based on that 1 Sunday a week off!
@9QB4CD22yrs2Y
Yes if there was some help for businesses but at moment no as prices go up with it e.g aping of beer averaged 25p when average wage was £250 py now its 2.60 as average wage is 26000
@9Q953CS2yrs2Y
They should set a pay minimum that is fair, both interms of what the country can afford and that respects the workers
@9Q7Z8TN2yrs2Y
Minimum wage is a myth, all about inflation, min wage should match inflation rates, no more, no less
@9Q2B8XD2yrs2Y
A living wage should be paid but also have to be careful not to put small businesses into a struggle with paying staff.
@9PZF7DM2yrs2Y
If inflation rises then wages must rise, we are in a cost of living crisis but unfortunately wages were not keeping up hence why we could not afford the basics
@9PYMSVV2yrs2Y
Yes whilst it’s necessary due to cost of living but this has a massive knock on effect to employers’ pay bills and erodes differentials between salaries at lower levels.
@9PR57QR2yrs2Y
If a job is worth doing for 40 hours a week, it should pay enough for someone to live a basic standard of healthy living.
@9PQQCHR2yrs2Y
no but if you had some paperwork that the individual person could sign saying if they want it raised or lowered and all the papers have been signed the government could know if they need to raise it all lower it
PS make sure you don't get into trouble with the rich that probably will never notice the minimum wage
@9PQGK7K2yrs2Y
No, but tax structure should use average full-time minimum wage salary as a baseline for tax-free earnings
@9PPXXW62yrs2Y
Minimum wage should not be adjusted by age and should be determined on a more local basis to match the needs of their populous.
@9PPX8H5Independent2yrs2Y
Yes, it should be adjusted each year according to other economic factors. It should also be adjusted by age group.
@9PP8WY62yrs2Y
Gradually yes,but Small firms should be exempt look at Most town centres have lost their banks &Independent shops .Harborough has lost 30 units since 2018 ,15 replacements 50% makes Centres look tatty
@9PNL77D2yrs2Y
Yes but only if disability benefits rise in line with this, or disabled people won’t be able to afford enough carer hours
@9PMWJZY2yrs2Y
Yes at the right time, it should be locked to inflation but when an where possible it should be risen to prevent fiscal drag
@9PM8KDPLiberal Democrat2yrs2Y
Minimum wage to me - Should be used for school leavers with poor results and unskilled workers. Should not be used, where a trade is being learned, a forever skill or someone who is still studying.
@9P2YPMD2yrs2Y
It appears the minium wage is catching up with professional jobs..like the NHS and Nursing, what is the point of spending years studying.
@9NJQYB22yrs2Y
yes, needs to be a wage that single parents can cope on and should be adapted according to inflation.
@9NFJBP62yrs2Y
Raising the minimum wage is nothing but a short term fix to an inherently flawed economy which is plagued with inflation due to our currency not being tied to anything with intrinsic value.
Yes, but the cost of items needs to be closely monitored and kept down. Or unscrupulous companies will keep raising prices ahead of inflation.
@9N9J7C5 2yrs2Y
Minimum wage should stay the same currently but the prices of houses, cars, food, and other mass products should be lowered drastically so people especially of the younger generations actually have a reason to work and have a higher morale due to actually being able to do things like afford a place and go on holiday and not worry about whether or not they should eat or pay rent.
@9N8R7ZQ2yrs2Y
minimum wage only serves to devalue qualified people by undermining the value of skills such as nursing and trades. if you want to earn more , get off your backside and get some qualifications
@9N8HD9F2yrs2Y
Minimum wage should stay the same/increase when necessary. However, if two people in the same employment (full time only) are different ages, for example 22 and 18, then they should receive the same pay (National Living wage)
@9N86Y752yrs2Y
Overall wages need to be increased, minimum wage increases have outgrown other wages over last 20 years so the middle has been squeezed, so it’s more important to bring lower earners into the higher bracket rather than raise the floor up.
@9N85F732yrs2Y
Its not as simple as increasing minimum wage. It should be a living wage, but they are designed to come in at the bottom and work your way up. It will inevitably increase all prices though
@9N6ZHFW2yrs2Y
A universal basic income should be added, in conjunction to capping the maximum capital one person can own, and redistributing the wealth.
@9N5KSN22yrs2Y
yes to make it a living wage for people who need it yet regulate it so it doesn’t cause prices for everyday products to increase and lead to hyperinflation
@9MZVKQFWomen's Equality2yrs2Y
Yes, there should be a minimum living wage but tied to upskilling of employees to ensure increased productivity.
@9MYQSLZ2yrs2Y
Yes, It should rise inline with inflation and the cost of living but so should salaries for everyone including skilled workers. It should also be the same for all ages.
I don’t think wages need to rise, instead the cost of things need to come down, but increasing wages we are driving this cycle
@9MRJGDP2yrs2Y
Yes along as wages rise to match this so the gap between minimum wage and a skilled wage reflects the training and skills needed
@9MRBDZJ2yrs2Y
No but make companies justify paying people minimum wage, why does job fit minimum wage classification. If not deemed appropriate must pay higher.
@9MR2QZD2yrs2Y
We should introduce a standard living wage regardless of working income. Each person is entitled to the same funding, no benefits, people can choose to earn more through working.
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