Currently, a lower statutory minimum wage applies to young people under 23 years of age, the so-called minimum youth wage. Minister Asscher wishes to abolish the minimum youth wage for employees who are 21 and 22 years of age.
The reason for this is that the introduction of a statutory minimum wage for adults who are 21 and 22 years of age would better suit the age at which qualified young people enter the job market. Furthermore, this would be better in accordance with international use.
The aim is to raise the minimum youth wage gradually as of 1 July 2017. To avoid loss of jobs, the cabinet intends to take compensatory measures. However, it is questionable whether this will be sufficient to genuinely counteract the job loss amongst 21 and 22 year olds.
On 8 July 2016, the council of ministers has agreed to send Minister Asscher’s bill to the Raad van State (Council of State) for advice. After receiving the advice from the Raad van State, the bill will be put before the Lower House of the Dutch Parliament.
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