Ministers may slow youth minimum wage rise amid UK unemployment fears

The Guardian World

by Jessica Elgot and Tom Knowles

February 18, 2026

Government considering delay to equalising national minimum wage after jump in youth unemployment UK politics live – latest updates Ministers are considering a slower rise in the minimum wage for younger workers, amid fears over rising youth unemployment. Labour had promised in its manifesto to equalise national minimum wage rates by the time of the next election, saying it was unfair younger workers were paid less. Government sources said equalisation remained the aim but the rise could come more slowly. Continue reading...

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/18/2026