The Low Pay Commission announces 2019 visits

 The Low Pay Commission is the independent body that advises the Government on the National Living and Minimum Wage rates (NLW and NMW). Each year the Low Pay Commission visits each country of the United Kingdom to gain a rounded view of the effects of the minimum wage rates ‘on the ground’ with at least two Commissioners (the people who decide what minimum wage rates to recommend to the government).

2019 visit dates & locations

See the table below for a list of locations and dates:

2019 visit locations

The visits are a vital part of the consultation process and are hosted by the Low Pay Commission, usually in the centre of the towns in question.

The issues the Low Pay Commission are keen to discuss, include:

• Changes to employment and hours.
• Changes to pay and benefits.
• Productivity.
• Prices.
• Profits.
• Compliance and enforcement.
• View on future NLW increases – to £8.21 in April and a projected rate (subject to change) of £8.62 in 2020, based on a target of 60% of median earnings.
• Evidence on the economic outlook more generally.
• Workers’ and apprentices’ views on the minimum wage rates and their work more generally.
• Views on the youth and apprentice rates – we will conclude our review of these rates in the summer and are still keen to hear evidence on their use and level.
• The future of the National Living Wage. The NLW has a target of 60% of median earnings by 2020, but it is uncertain what will happen after this date. In the 2018 budget the Chancellor announced the government’s ambition to end low pay, but we don’t know exactly what that would mean for the minimum wage.

It’s important that our Members have their say on crucial topics like pay that impact the hair and beauty sector. If you are local to any of the areas that are due visits and would like to have your voice heard, then please do get in touch by contacting: enquiries@nhf.info