The Government has recently written to the Low Pay Commission (LPC) outlining its remmit for its 2012 Report.

The LPC will continue to monitor, evaluate and review the National Minimum Wage (NMW) and its impact, and review the levels of each of the different minimum wage rates.

As part of its remit the Government has asked the independent body to pay particular attention to:

youth employment – including those in apprenticeships and internships;
possibilities for simplification of the current regulations; and
the best way to give businesses greater clarity on future levels of the NMW.

The LPC will report to the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills by the end of February 2012.

Employment Relations Minister, Edward Davey, said:

“The Government is committed to the National Minimum Wage as it provides the much needed protection for low paid workers and encourages those out of work, back into the labour market. We have asked the independent LPC to monitor the impact of the NMW, consult with employers and employees, and to make recommendations for the Government to consider next year.”