Yes. What's your point?
In trying to shift the financial burden of a social policy from the State to the Employer the State is creating and sustaining a poverty trap. That's the point I am making.
Ok, you are talking about something else. I don't disagree that if the minimum wage is pitched higher than what employers value the labour then that is a cause for a poverty trap.
So im not arguing that €9.80ph is too high or too low, im saying a single figure rate is inadequate in itself for reducing inequality.
Im suggesting that minimum wage be placed in a band ranging from one starting point to an end point. As an example I am using the current minimum wage of €9.80ph.
Minimum wage for an 18yr old is set at €7.84 (or thereabouts).
Im suggesting an incremental increase of 2.5% pa as a sustainable increase in wages for workers in unskilled or low skilled employment
on condition that they continue in employment.
People who remain in continuous employment would suggest they have at least the right attitude, which I think you agreed does has a monetary value.
While the immediate focus appears to be on the €15.68ph figure, that is only applicable if a person continues working over 40yrs.
It should be noted that at a starting point of €7.84ph at 18, rising at 2.5% pa, it would take someone until they are 27yrs old before they reach the current €9.80ph.
Unless of course they acquire new skills for themselves, and/or have the right attitude, aptitude and ability to negotiate a premium higher than that rate.