Following recommendations from the Low Pay Commission, on 1 October the Government will introduce a new rate of 3 per hour for 16- and 17-year-olds. It has been set considerably below the adult rate of 4.85 because of fears that young people may leave education to go to work.
The NMW1617 group, which also includes the British Youth Council, Children's Rights Alliance for England, Child Poverty Action Group, UK Youth Parliament and YMCA, is asking young people for their experiences of work, in particular, why they work, how they spend their earnings, and whether a higher minimum wage would affect their choices at age 16.
The coalition believes that although the new minimum wage is a welcome step, it does not go far enough towards protecting 16- and 17-year-olds from exploitation in the work place.
"Some young people work to earn extra pocket money, but others rely heavily on their income to support themselves and their families," said Alison Linsey, policy officer at NCB. "Ultimately, we would like to see a young person who is doing the same job as an adult receive the same payment for his or her work, and have the same security and protection from exploitation as an adult could expect."
- NCB is looking for interesting examples of young people working. For more information please contact Alison Linsey on 020 7843 1907 or alinsey@ncb.org.uk.
