Farage says young people's minimum wage is too high

Nigel Farage has suggested that the minimum wage may be “too high” for younger workers, as he laid out his vision for the UK economy.

- CAITLIN DOHERTY POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT

The Reform UK leader, speaking in the City of London yesterday, also revealed he was abandoning the plan for tax cuts that was a central part of his party's election manifesto and refusing to commit to the triple lock on pensions.

Asked whether he thought the minimum wage was too high, Mr Farage said: "There's an argument the minimum wage is too high for younger workers, particularly given that we've lowered the level at which NIC [national insurance contributions] is paid to £5,000 a year. So do one or the other... either lift the cap at which NI is due, or lower the minimum wage for young workers."

The minimum wage is currently £12.21 an hour for workers aged 21 and over, and £10 for those between 18 and 20. For under-18s and those on an apprentice rate, the minimum is £7.55.