Plans to raise minimum wage for young people could be delayed, according to a report from Sky News. The government had previously announced plans to increase the minimum wage for workers aged 23 and over, as well as for younger workers. However, the implementation of these changes may now be postponed due to concerns about the impact on businesses in the hospitality sector.
Hospitality industry representatives have warned that raising the minimum wage could lead to job losses and business closures, especially as many businesses are already struggling due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, has also expressed concerns about the potential impact on unemployment levels if the minimum wage is increased too quickly.
Unemployment rates have been rising steadily in recent months, with many young people facing difficulties in finding work. Raising the minimum wage could potentially make it even harder for young people to secure employment, as businesses may be less inclined to hire new staff if they have to pay higher wages.
Despite these concerns, there is still strong support for increasing the minimum wage among trade unions and worker advocacy groups. They argue that a higher minimum wage is necessary to ensure that workers are paid a fair wage for their labor, especially given the rising cost of living in the UK.
The government has not yet made a final decision on whether to delay the implementation of the minimum wage increase for young people. A spokesperson for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy stated that the government is still considering the impact of the proposed changes and will make an announcement in due course.
In the meantime, young workers and businesses in the hospitality sector will have to wait to see what decision the government ultimately makes regarding the minimum wage. The outcome of this decision could have significant implications for both workers and businesses across the UK, and it is important that all stakeholders are taken into consideration before any changes are implemented.
