National Living Wage consultation now open

The Low Pay Commission (LPC) has launched its annual consultation on the National Living Wage (NLW) and wider minimum wage policy, and Norfolk Chambers wants to make sure local businesses have their voices heard.

The LPC is gathering evidence to inform its recommendations on minimum wage rates for April 2027. Following the most recent increase on 1 April 2026, which saw the National Living Wage rise by 4.1% to £12.71 per hour, the Commission is keen to understand how these changes are affecting employers on the ground.

What the LPC wants to know

This year’s consultation focuses on four key areas:

·       The impact of the National Living Wage, particularly the April 2026 increase, on businesses, including effects on recruitment, retention, working hours, pricing, and investment decisions.

·       The experiences of workers on low pay, including their ability to meet living costs, progress to better-paid roles, and how the interaction between Universal Credit and the NLW plays out in practice.

·       Youth employment: what the outlook looks like for workers aged under 21, what is driving employer decisions, and when the Government’s commitment to align the 18–20 Year Old Rate with the NLW should take effect.

·       Apprenticeships: the outlook for apprentice recruitment and employment, and the expected effects of the latest increase to the Apprentice Rate (now £8.00 per hour).

Current minimum wage rates (from April 2026)

·       21 and over: £12.71

·       18–20 rate: £10.85

·       16–17 rate: £8.00

·       Apprentice rate: £8.00

How to share your feedback

We are collating responses from Norfolk businesses to submit as an evidence-based contribution to the LPC on behalf of our members. Whether you have data, a practical example, or simply a view on how wage changes are affecting your organisation, we want to hear from you.

Please complete our short feedback form by close of play on 15 May 2026.

 The LPC’s full consultation is open until 26 June 2026 and can be accessed directly at gov.uk. If you would prefer to respond directly to the Commission, you can do so online or by emailing [email protected].

If you have questions or would like to discuss your feedback before submitting, please get in touch with the Norfolk Chambers team.

Link to feedback form: https://norfolkchamber.co.uk/national-minimum-wage-feedback-form/