The tender, released today, states that the aim of this research is to find out and gain a better understanding of the impact of minimum wages, particularly the impact of the National Living Wage (NLW).

These are open tender calls and the deadline is 2pm on 6 June 2016. The research will cover the impact on individuals and businesses, as well as related research topics from researchers with new ideas.

Following criticism of the introduction of the national living wage from certain sectors of business, who have cited increased employee costs, the Low Pay Commission is keen to get a clearer picture of the actual impact on businesses.

The business element of the research will consider:

• individual earnings (both hourly and weekly)
• household and/or family income (potentially including the interaction with benefits)
• the pay and reward package (including premia pay, staff rewards and perks)
• hours and employment
• self-employment
• progression and labour mobility
• types of contract (eg use of variable hours or zero hours contracts)

The research into the impact on individuals will focus on the impact on individual earnings, pay and reward packages, household/family income, and hours and employment.

The findings will help to inform decisions in October 2017 for the minimum up-ratings, which will come into force in April 2018.

Further information about the Invitation to tender for research from the Low Pay Commission 2016-17 is available here.