Labour's minimum wage hike is forcing us to snub young workers, admits Hollywood Bowl
The boss of Hollywood Bowl says tax and minimum wage rises are putting a ‘premium’ on hiring people for their first jobs.Stephen Burns, chief executive of the ten-pin bowling operator, said it was now hiring staff with experience over younger people because of cost increases.It came a day after Next chief Lord Wolfson said Labour’s ‘disastrous’ policies were causing a fall in entry-level jobs, and adds to complaints that the rise in the minimum wage for those aged 18 to 20 – bringing it closer to that for older workers – is making employers less willing to employ younger people.Burns said: ‘We’re now paying a significant premium for those coming for their first jobs, so of course we’re going to focus on experienced team members.‘Previously, you’d take an inexperienced team member and pay them less, train them, then get them into the workplace. It needs addressing.’He blamed ‘Government-led increases’ including the minimum wage, national insurance contributions, business rates and corporation tax uplifts.Shares surged 15.4 per cent, or 40p, to 300p as revenue rose 9.5 per cent to £141.5million for the half to March 31. Minimum wage: Hollywood Bowl boss Stephen Burns said it was now hiring staff with experience over younger people starting out because of cost increases imposed by LabourDIY INVESTING PLATFORMSAJ BellAJ BellEasy investing and ready-made portfoliosHargreaves LansdownHargreaves LansdownFree fund dealing and investment ideasinteractive investorinteractive investorFlat-fee investing from £4.99 per monthFreetradeFreetradeInvesting Isa now free on basic planTrading 212Trading 212Free share dealing and no account feeAffiliate links: If you take out a product This is Money may earn a commission. These deals are chosen by our editorial team, as we think they are worth highlighting. This does not affect our editorial independence.Compare the best investing account for you Join the discussionIs it fair that rising wages are shutting young people out of their first jobs?
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Labour's minimum wage hike is forcing us to snub young workers, admits Hollywood Bowl
