During Prime Minister’s Questions, Nigel Farage faced criticism for earning substantial income from additional jobs while questioning the adequacy of the minimum wage for young workers. Farage, the leader of Reform UK, has earned over £1 million from his secondary employment since the general election. He recently expressed doubts about the current minimum wage for young workers, suggesting it may be too high, despite already receiving a £93,904 annual salary as an MP.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, standing in for Keir Starmer at PMQs, mocked Farage for profiting as an ambassador for Direct Bullion, a company dealing in precious metals and gold. Lammy highlighted the discrepancy between Farage’s earnings and his stance on lowering the minimum wage for younger workers.
Labour MP Adam Thompson raised the issue during PMQs, pointing out the significant increase in the national minimum wage for young people compared to past years. He questioned Lammy about the response to claims by some, including members of the Conservative and Reform parties, that a £10 hourly wage for young workers is excessive, hinting at Farage’s multiple jobs potentially paying less than that.
In response, Lammy highlighted Farage’s diverse sources of income, particularly his involvement in gold bullion trading, questioning the rationale behind cutting wages for those earning significantly less. Lammy emphasized the Labour Party’s commitment to supporting young workers by increasing their wages and implementing programs like the youth guarantee to foster their potential.
Farage’s earnings over the past year have included income from speaking engagements, social media activities, cameo video appearances, TV hosting for GB News, writing articles, and serving as an ambassador for Direct Bullion.
Farage recently suggested at a press conference that the minimum wage for young workers might be too high, especially following the reduction of the National Insurance Contribution threshold to £5,000 annually. Meanwhile, during the Tory conference last year, Kemi Badenoch raised concerns about the impact of the minimum wage on businesses, including maternity pay, suggesting they could be burdensome.
The current minimum wage stands at £7.55 for individuals under 18, £10 for those aged 18-20, and £12.21 for those aged 21 and above.