Over 27,000 young workers earn less than the minimum wage

James Cox

Over 27,000 young workers earn less than the minimum wage, according to the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI).

On International Workers' Day, NCYI is calling for the immediate abolition of sub-minimum rates of pay, as recommended by the Low Pay Commission.

Ireland remains one of the only countries in the EU where young people under the age of 20 can be paid less than the minimum wage.

The NYCI warns that this is "age-based pay discrimination, and it sends a damaging message that a young person’s work is worth less simply because of their age, regardless of skill or experience".

Kathryn Walsh, NYCI director of policy and advocacy, said: “Poverty wages are a pressing political issue, and the sub-minimum rates of pay for young workers are particularly concerning. With over 27,000 young workers earning less than the minimum wage, this policy only serves to further undermine living standards and exacerbate the acute problems of inequality and poverty in Irish society.”

The organisation also highlights concerns that sub-minimum rates of pay have also left young workers open to exploitation. In a recent report, the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) suggested that employers could be using sub-minimum youth wage rates to keep labour costs low as the minimum wage gets higher.

Walsh said: “Minimum wage jobs are more precarious, uncertain, and insecure, making it difficult for young people to make progress or even survive. It is time for the Government to take decisive action and abolish sub-minimum rates of pay to ensure fair and equitable treatment for all workers, regardless of age.

“On this May Day, we stand in solidarity with workers everywhere and call on the Government to abolish sub-minimum rates of pay. Young workers deserve fair wages and the opportunity to build a secure future. It is time to end this discriminatory practice and ensure that all workers are treated with dignity and respect."