The youth minimum wage for 16- to 20-year-olds is set to go up in 2027, taking the pay rate closer to the adult amount of €14.71 per hour, ministers agreed on Friday.

The change means 16-year-olds will now earn 40% of the adult minimum wage per hour, up from 34.5%, while 17-year-olds will earn 50% rather than 39.5%. The minimum pay rate for a 20-year-old will rise from 80% to 87.5% of the adult rate.

The plan was drawn up by the previous administration, and new social affairs minister Hans Vijlbrief has agreed to press ahead with the implementation.

The minister hopes the increase will tempt more youngsters to find part-time jobs and help relieve the shortage of workers in some sectors. “Employers are never happy if costs go up, but they are if it means they can attract more staff,” Vijlbrief said.