The Low Pay Commission has published a consultation on National Minimum Wage (NMW) rates. This will inform the Commission’s recommendations to Government later this year on the NMW and National Living Wage (NLW) rates to apply from April 2026. The consultation is seeking evidence on the impact of the April 2025 increases on workers, employers, the labour market and the economy, as well as on the affordability and effects of a 2026 increase to an NLW rate in the range of £12.50 to £12.80. Submissions are also requested on the specific effects of recent increases to the 16-17 year old and apprentice rates, including the effects on the employment prospects of these younger age groups. An annex to the consultation sets out possible approaches to lowering the NLW threshold in line with the Government’s aim of extending it to all workers aged 18 and over. Responses to the consultation must be submitted by 30 June 2025.