MSPs urged to back call for end to wage discrimination against young workers
MSPs have been urged to support Scottish Green MSP Iris Duane’s call to end age-based pay discrimination and ensure young workers receive the same minimum wage as older colleagues.
Iris, who is Scotland’s youngest MSP, will make the case for equal pay as part of a Scottish Government debate on Supporting Young People to Participate in the Labour Market, highlighting the unfairness of paying workers different rates simply because of their age.
It follows Chancellor John Healey’s decision to increase the minimum wage to £13.21 an hour for workers aged 21 and over from April 2027, while those aged 18 to 20 will receive just £11.27 an hour.
The decision comes despite Labour’s manifesto commitment to remove discriminatory age bands and ensure all adult workers receive the same minimum wage.
Iris said:
“Life isn’t cheaper if you are younger. Young workers are facing the same rising living costs as everyone else. They still have to pay rent, buy food, heat their homes and travel to work, yet they are expected to get by on a lower minimum wage simply because of their age’.
“Age does not determine the value of someone's work or their right to be treated fairly. If you are doing the same job, putting in the same hours and making the same contribution, you should receive the same wage as anyone else.
“It is particularly disappointing that Labour has failed to honour its manifesto commitment to scrap these discriminatory age bands, and is going backwards.
“Young workers should not have to wait any longer for equal treatment. Paying them less does nothing to recognise their contribution or help them build financial security.
“I hope MSPs from all parties will join me in supporting the call for an end to age-based wage discrimination and to make clear that fair pay must apply to all adult workers, regardless of how old they are.”