About the campaign
Young workers are a vital part of the workforce but are often undervalued, underpaid and discriminated against. The National Living Wage doesn’t come into effect until workers reach 21 so from 16-21, workers are earning less.
Our campaign aims to protect the rights of young workers and improve their terms and conditions.
How to support the campaign
National Young Workers’ Weekend is run every year by Usdaw in November. It takes place at our Training Centre in Warrington.
The weekend is a great opportunity for young activists to learn more about Usdaw, play a bigger role in the Union and meet new friends.
Topics on the agenda are different each year, but usually centre around discussing the problems young people can face in the workplace, organising and young workers’ rights.
Young and active reps
Usdaw has more than 600 reps aged under 27 who are working hard across the UK to support Usdaw members. Reps acquire many new skills and knowledge on workers’ rights, can choose to get involved in the wider work of the Union, and even directly influence the Union’s policies and priorities.
We encourage our young members to volunteer, to help get involved and represent young workers.
The Union offers advice and support to more than 78,000 members aged under 27 through our fantastic team of reps and officials.
We are campaigning for the National Living Wage adult rate to be paid at 18 and have negotiated the removal of youth rates in many workplaces.
Whether you work full-time or part-time, we will make sure your voice is heard and your issues are dealt with.
What we've achieved so far
As of April 2024, the National Living Wage will now be paid to all workers aged 21 and over. Previously the Government set the NLW for 23-year-olds and above.
The National Minimum Wage was raised again in April 2025 for all age groups.
There is still plenty of work to do however; we want to make sure that everyone from age 16 earns the National Living Wage, and that NLW comes in line with the Real Living Wage.