To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether consideration has been given to ending the age-related graduated structure of minimum wage rates. (172581)

I have been asked to reply.

The Government’s regulations implementing the European Employment Directive (Council Directive 2007/78/EC) came into force on 1 October 2006 (Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006) and provided an exemption from age discrimination for employers using the youth (16-17 year-old) or development rates (18-21 year-old) of the minimum wage. The Government keep the position under review.