Dundee Liberal Democrats say "young people's wage discrimination must stop" (Dundee Liberal Democrats)

Dundee Liberal Democrats <info@dundeelibdems.org.uk>

Dundee Liberal Democrats say "young people's wage discrimination must stop"

October 22, 2006 9:56 AM

Young people's wage discrimination must stop

Following release of a new analysis by the Liberal Democrats showing that over half a million young people are earning less than their older counterparts for doing the same work, Dundee LibDem local party secretary Michael Charlton today (Sunday 22nd October) reiterated his view that the discrimination against young people must stop.

Nationally, Liberal Democrat Youth Spokesperson, Jenny Willott MP, also called for an end to the unfair minimum wage discrimination that leaves an estimated 628,000 young people worse off.

Commenting, Ms Willott said "It is appalling that the Government discriminates against young people in this way.

"The recent age discrimination legislation makes it unacceptable for age to indicate the quality of an individual's contribution. Given this, it is surely absurd for someone aged 16 to be paid less than someone aged 18, who in turn is paid less than someone aged 21, while doing the same work."

Michael added, "The minimum wage is , in itself, a vital tool to protect low-paid workers. It is appalling that the Labour government continues to have variable minimum wages discriminating against young people."