The Commission added: “The labour market for national living wage workers is generally positive. There
has been stronger employment growth for groups of workers who are more likely to be paid the NLW.”
The LPC recommended an even faster rise in the minimum wage for 2020, which it said would be “the
largest cash rise” in the history of the policy, which was first introduced in 1999.
The research by the Commission was based on an analysis of economic and labour market data, six regional
visits around the UK to various employment centres, the commissioning a range of independent research
projects, and regular meeting and consultations with organisations and stakeholders.
The evidence is interesting in the context of the US presidential election, where hopeful Bernie Sanders
and other Democrats have suggested a $15 (£13.28) federal minimum wage across the United States.
At the 2019 general election Labour has suggested raising the minimum wage to £10, including for
under-18s. The existing highest level of minimum wage only applies to workers aged over 25 years, with
lower rates for younger aged groups.
Commenting on the analysis, Conservative business minister Paul Scully said in a written statement: “To
date, the Low Pay Commission have found that the minimum wage has increased pay for the lowest earners
without harming employment.”