Ms Jean McCabe:

We need to look at this with a much more holistic view. The Low Pay Commission made a fundamental mistake when it brought in the minimum wage increases in January without considering the impact they were going to have on hospitality and retail. The Department’s own report highlighted that the sector was extremely vulnerable as a result of that. In hindsight, it said the report should have been done beforehand.

Let us look at this in full-picture view. It is not just about an equal job for equal pay. We need to look at youth employment and the impact that has on those workers. Studies have shown that students and youth workers who have a part-time job are 33% less likely to suffer from mental health problems. This has a huge impact on their own well-being. I would hate to think that-----