Summary
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch expressed concerns about raising the minimum wage further, suggesting businesses might struggle to afford it. She noted that many businesses had to lay off staff following earlier wage increases. The minimum wage is set to increase to £12.71 an hour for workers over 21 starting in April.
Key Facts
- Kemi Badenoch is the leader of the Conservative Party.
- Badenoch questioned if businesses could afford higher minimum wages.
- She mentioned businesses had layoffs after previous wage increases.
- The current plan is to raise the minimum wage to £12.71 an hour for workers over 21 starting in April.
- Wages for 18-20 year-olds will rise by 8.5% to £10.85 per hour.
- The minimum wage for 16 and 17-year-olds and apprentices will increase by 6% to £8 per hour.
- Badenoch advocated for reduced regulation and taxation burdens on businesses.
- She emphasized listening to businesses about wage affordability.
