Labour's Minimum Wage Equalisation for Under-20s in Doubt Before Next Election

Chancellor John Healey has failed to confirm that Labour's manifesto pledge to equalise the minimum wage for under-20s with the adult rate will be delivered before the next general election. In Sunday's budget, the adult minimum wage rose to £13.21 per hour, while the rate for under-20s increased to £11.27—a smaller rise that leaves a significant gap and does not signal immediate progress toward parity. Healey said the government remains committed to the increase but offered no timeline, raising questions about whether the pledge can be fulfilled within the current parliament. The failure to guarantee equalisation could impact young workers' earnings and Labour's credibility on its cost-of-living agenda. With the next election approaching, the government faces pressure to clarify its plans for youth pay.