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Survey-based research on workers' experiences of low-paid work

LOW PAY COMMISSION

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

13 Jul 2026 at 14:22

UK4 - Tender Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Low Pay Commission, a central government public authority based in London, is inviting tenders for survey-based research on workers' experiences of low-paid work. This procurement process is at the tender stage, with an open competition procurement method. The deadline for tender submissions is 1st September 2026, following the enquiry period closure on 11th August 2026. The project is valued at a maximum budget of £60,000 including VAT and is categorised under Research and Development services. Final project results are expected by September 2027, with the final report due in November 2027. The contract is likely to commence on 21st September 2026 and end by 31st January 2028.

This tender presents a significant opportunity for businesses specialising in survey-based research, particularly those experienced in social sciences and interested in policy impact analysis. It is well-suited for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that can provide detailed insights into the low-paid work sector. The research outcomes will contribute to informing policy decisions on the National Living Wage, impacting policymakers and businesses both within the UK and globally. Firms that can demonstrate a robust methodology and deliver high-quality research would find this an advantageous opportunity to align with governmental policy shaping. The use of the Most Advantageous Tender (MAT) methodology highlights a strong emphasis on quality, making experienced and innovative research providers well-positioned to compete effectively.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Survey-based research on workers' experiences of low-paid work

Notice Description

The Low Pay Commission (LPC) invites tenders for research exploring the views and experiences of workers in low-paid jobs, including those paid at or close to the National Living Wage (NLW). We expect the research to take the form of a survey of workers, carried out over two waves (one in late 2026, one in Spring 2027). More details on the suggested methodology can be found in the Invitation to Tender document, along with details of how to apply. The Low Pay Commission is a non-departmental public body that advises the government about the National Minimum Wage (NMW), including the NLW and the minimum wage rates for young workers and apprentices. We are responsible for evaluating the effects of the NMW and NLW and making recommendations on future rates. To carry out these functions, our work involves: * carrying out extensive research and consultation with employers, workers and their representatives and taking written and oral evidence from a wide range of organisations; * analysing relevant data to understand the state of the economy and labour market and the impact of the minimum wage; * commissioning research projects into these questions. This research will provide insights into how workers experience changes in the NLW and into their wider working lives. It will complement the LPC's own quantitative analysis of pay, hours, household incomes and characteristics. Final results will be delivered by September 2027, with a final report due in November 2027. The estimated maximum budget for this project is PS50,000 excluding VAT (PS60,000 including VAT). There is global interest among policymakers in the impact of the NLW. The findings from this research will directly inform policy decisions touching the lives of millions of workers and thousands of businesses as well as contributing to policy formation in the UK and beyond. Please note that we are only able to evaluate complete tenders. The components of a complete tender are detailed in Section 5, Part E of the Invitation to Tender document. They include written responses addressing the three quality criteria: understanding the requirements and context (A01), methodology and approach (A02) and ability to deliver (A03); a detailed pricing schedule and completion/provision of relevant documents to fulfil the commercial criteria.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06c9b5
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/065707-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - open competition
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

CPV Codes

73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£50,000 Under £100K
Lots Value
£50,000 Under £100K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
13 Jul 20262 days ago
Submission Deadline
1 Sep 20262 months to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
20 Sep 2026 - 31 Jan 2028 1-2 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
LOW PAY COMMISSION
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
E14 4PU
Post Town
East London
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI4 Inner London - East
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI42 Tower Hamlets
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Tower Hamlets
Electoral Ward
Canary Wharf
Westminster Constituency
Poplar and Limehouse

Further Information

Notice Documents

  • https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/065707-2026
    13th July 2026 - Tender notice on Find a Tender
  • https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/low-pay-commission-call-for-research-summer-2026
    There will be short delay before the linked page goes live. If you are not able to access the documents immediately, please try again after a few hours. The linked page contains: * the Invitation to Tender document, including full specifications for the research and terms of tendering * the pricing schedule, which must be completed by tenderers * the LPC's standard terms and conditions, which tenderers should review before submitting their tender documents Clarifications will also be posted here in the week following the clarifications deadline.

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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