NO - PAUL MYNERS, CHAIRMAN, LOW PAY COMMISSION
Young people occupy a vulnerable position in the labour market - their wages are lower than those of older workers and unemployment is higher. The lower minimum rates help to ensure that they are not priced out of the labour market. This is particularly important given the evidence of the scarring effect unemployment can have on young people. There is also evidence that a one-size-fits-all minimum wage can damage the job prospects of young people.
YES - CLARE TICKELL, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, NCH
Young workers should be paid according to what they're doing, not their age. This is especially important for young people leaving care. Where others may have the support of their family, care-leavers are often completely reliant on their wage to make ends meet. At our projects we help these incredibly vulnerable young people to develop the skills they need to live independently - an equal wage would make a huge difference to their lives.
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