Research and analysis

Low Pay Commission Research 2025

These research reports were commissioned by the Low Pay Commission to inform recommendations on minimum wage rates for 2026.

• From: Low Pay Commission
• Published: 2 February 2026

Documents

The impact of the NLW on prices - Frontier Economics

PDF, 1.19 MB, 44 pages

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Assessing the impact of the minimum wage on young people - London Economics

PDF, 4.61 MB, 103 pages

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The NLW and Household Incomes - Landman Economics

PDF, 1.34 MB, 164 pages

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Landman Economics Supplementary Data Table

MS Excel Spreadsheet, 28 KB

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Impact of NLW Upratings on Businesses using the Decision Maker Panel

PDF, 2.29 MB, 29 pages

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Details

Details

Independent research forms an important part of the Low Pay Commission’s evidence base in making recommendations on the National Minimum Wage. The four projects published here were commissioned by the LPC to inform its work in 2025.

• Research by Frontier Economics looks at the National Living Wage and prices. The aim of this research was to explore the impact of National Living Wage increases on inflation.
• Research by London Economics looks at the impact of the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage on young people. The aim of this research was to understand the potential impact of National Living Wage increases on the youth labour market and education participation.
• Research by Landman Economics looks at the National Living Wage and household incomes. The aim of this research was to understand how National Living Wage increases affected household incomes.
• Research by Paul Mizen (King’s College, London), Philip Bunn and Ivan Yotzov (Bank of England) looks at the National Living Wage and its impact on businesses. The aim of this research is to understand the potential impact of the National Living Wage on wage growth, employment and pricing. This is an interim report. The final report will be published alongside the Low Pay Commission’s 2026 Report.

Published 2 February 2026