At least 80% of Dutch workers earn more than the minimum wage but the under-23s are more likely to work for rock-bottom rates, according to new figures from the national statistics office CBS.

One in six under-23s earns the minimum wage, compared with one in 20 people on adult incomes.

In total, some 500,000 jobs in the Netherlands paid the minimum wage last year. Of those jobs, 35% were done by youngsters. Currently an 18-year-old on minimum pay earns €31.66 a day before tax and premiums. The over-22s earn €69.59.

The hotel and catering industry are most likely to pay minimum rates, followed by the care and business services, such as cleaning. Women are more likely to earn minimum wages than men and 75% of minimum wage jobs are part-time.

The FNV trade union is campaigning for an increase in youth pay rates and several parties in parliament are also pushing for change.