RGDATA, the organisation that represents convenience stores, has described the Low Pay Commission ‘consultation’ exercise on sub minima rates for young people as grossly deficient

The association has contacted the Commission to outline its concerns at the manner in which this consultation on sub minima rates for young people is being managed.

Tara Buckley, Director General, RGDATA commented that normally a consultation exercise is carried out around a set of proposals or an Issues Paper, which sets out the context and background to the issue. It outlines facts figures and trends identifying the legal and policy parameters on the particular issue and in respect of which the information and participation of external stakeholders is being sought.

“However, in this case, no such information is provided,” said Buckley. Instead we are asked to comment generally on ‘the appropriateness of the sub-minima rates with regard to their impact on youth unemployment rates and participation in education’.

“There is no information provided on the impact of the rates on youth unemployment rates or participation in education and consequently we are being asked our opinion on an unspecific and very general issue.”

In Association with

Buckley (pictured) added: “If the Low Pay Commission is to perform its functions effectively and to seek the views of stakeholders with an interest in the issues under review, it behoves the Commission to present properly structured and informed consultation processes, rather than just throw out general themes for discussion and subjective assessments.”

Employment Opportunities

According to Buckley, the retail outlets represented by RGDATA provide many young people with part time holiday work, giving them their first taste of work and often funding students through their studies, thereby aiding participation in education.

“There is no indication at present that the rates of pay for these people is presenting any problems or challenges, either in respect of this cohort of workers or other workers,” said Buckley.

“If the Commission believes that there are any such issues, then it is important that these are outlined and people given a chance to make submission on the views and finding presented by the Commission.

“If the Low Pay Commission provides some research analysis of the sub minima rates, youth employment and unemployment data and participation in education, RGDATA will certainly make a submission with our members’ views on the findings.”

Statutory sub minima rates of pay were raised by government order on 1 January 2016. The new rate for under-18s is €6.41 an hour. The over-18s rate ranges from €7.32 to €8.24 per hour. The National Minimum Wage for experienced adult workers is €9.15 per hour.