Young people's wage discrimination must stop - Willott

5.17.41pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 17th Oct 2006

Liberal Democrat Youth Spokesperson, Jenny Willott MP

Over half a million young people are earning less than their older counterparts for doing the same work, according to new analysis by the Liberal Democrats.

Liberal Democrat Youth Spokesperson, Jenny Willott MP, 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.

"For all young people to be paid less to improve the job prospects of a few is deeply unfair. Young people deserve and need equal pay now more than ever.

"Young people today face an unrelenting barrage of financial demands from the rising cost of living, the lack of affordable housing and student fees. It is little wonder then that debt and bankruptcies amongst young people have increased so much in recent years."