Downside of pay rise

A GROUP representing bosses has warned that union calls to substantially lift minimum wages could price young workers out of the market.

The Australian Council of Trade Unions wants the minimum wage to be 60 per cent of median full-time earnings – an 11 per cent increase.

But the Australian Industry Group’s analysis shows the union push for a $798.31 weekly wage could discourage people from starting apprenticeships and could hurt young workers because it could bring unskilled wages within $39 of tradies’ wages.