Minimum wage consultation 2026 Survey

Thank you for taking part in this survey. Your views will inform the Chamber's
response to the Committee for Employment & Social Security ahead of the 28 May
2026 deadline.

SECTION 1: YOUR BUSINESS

2.How many employees does your business have?

Sole Trader

2–10

11–50

50 +

SECTION 2: ADULT MINIMUM WAGE RATE

The Committee proposes increasing the adult minimum wage from £12.60 to £13.10 per hour (a 4% rise, in line with core RPIX inflation for the year ending 31 March 2026). This applies to all workers aged 18 and over, including apprentices aged 18 and over.

3.How do you view this proposed increase?

Too high

About right

Too low

No strong view

4.How many of your employees will this increase impact?

None

2–10

11–50

50 +

SECTION 3: YOUNG PERSON'S MINIMUM WAGE RATE

The Committee is also considering implementing a change to the current policy in respect of the level of the Young Person’s Minimum Wage Rate. The current States’ approved policy is that it be set at 90% of the Adult Rate.

The Committee proposes equalising the young person's rate (currently £11.35 per hour) with the adult rate of £13.10 per hour, effective 1 October 2026. ( Circa 15% increase) This would apply to all workers aged 16 and over, with the exception of apprentices under 18.

5.How many of your employees will this increase impact?

None

2–10

11–50

50 +

6.Do you support this change?

Yes, support equalisation

No, retain the lower youth rate

Support, but phase it in gradually

Not applicable/no view

SECTION 4: BUSINESS IMPACT

7.How significant will the combined wage rate changes be for your business? (1 = no impact, 5 = very significant)

9.Under proposed social security reform, individuals may pay contributions on all income sources rather than only employment income. This could reduce the incentive for some semi-retired or part-time workers to remain employed. You can read our briefing document for more information.

Would the combined impact of GST/tax reform and proposed minimum wage changes affect your workforce planning?

No expected impact

Yes, we may reduce reliance on part-time/semi-retired workers

Yes, we may reduce recruitment of younger/entry-level workers

Yes, both of the above

Unsure / too early to say

Not applicable to our business

SECTION 5: ACCOMMODATION & FOOD OFFSETS AND OTHER COMMENTS

The Committee proposes increasing the offsets by 4%: -
- Accommodation and food offset: from £158 to £164 per week
- Accommodation only offset: from £113 to £118 per week

10.Do you support this increase to accommodation or food offsets?

Too high

About right

Too low

Not applicable to my business

11.Please provide any further comments or data

12.Is there anything else you would like the Chamber to raise ?