Most Brits back equal minimum wage for 18 to 20-year-olds – YouGov

Two thirds of Brits said 18 to 20-year-olds should get the same minimum wage as those over 21, research from YouGov found. 

Research comes after the Government has asked the low pay commission to make plans to close the £2 per hour gap between the minimum wage for 18–20-year-olds and older workers.

One in five (22%) said there should be a lower minimum wage for people under 21. 

Two thirds (67%) said the same minimum wage should apply to everyone over 18. 

One in nine (11%) said they did not know.

A majority of supporters from all the major parties backed equalising the minimum wage, but Conservative and Reform UK voters were more likely to say it should be lower for 18 to 20-year-olds. 

Conservative voters were split with 36% for a lower wage and 55% in favour of equal pay. 

Labour voters showed 18% for a lower wage and 74% in favour of equal pay. 

Liberal Democrat voters were 22% for a lower wage and 66% for equal pay. 

Meanwhile, Reform UK voters were 31% for a lower minimum wage and 62% for equal pay.