Editorial: Youth rates no remedy

The decision of some New Zealand fast-food outlets not to use controversial youth pay rates for young employees should be applauded.

It's my view the youth rates are unnecessary and undermine the work young people do while at the same time preventing adults from being successful in getting jobs.

McDonald's, KFC, Starbucks and Pizza Hutt have announced they will not use the new youth rates and other big firms are being encouraged to follow their lead.

The new legislation allows employers to pay 80 per cent of the minimum wage to those aged 19 and under. The new law sees young staff paid a "starting out" wage of $10.80 an hour for their first three months.

McDonald's, KFC, Starbucks and Pizza Hutt had the opportunity to increase their profit margins but have instead decided to do what is right.

I have nothing against young people having jobs, but the job market is tight and there are adults in our country who have mouths to feed and bills to pay.

If an employer had an option of paying a school student less or an adult slightly more, chances are they will take the cheaper option. Young people potentially only need the job for pocket money while they are at school or studying, while for some adults it could be a case of survival.