Ms Jean McCabe:

Sure, no problem. An OECD study from 2023 found that countries that have youth minimum wage rates have 7% higher youth employment, on average, compared to those countries that do not. Therefore, having sub-minimum rates incentivises more job opportunities for youth workers. There is a Eurofound study which highlights that EU countries with youth minimum wage rates have 18% higher youth labour market participation, on average, than those without. The data does show, therefore, that having youth minimum wage rates is quite productive for youth workers. There are more job opportunities available to them.