Small Business Column: The minimum wage

In this week’s column, Kehlan examines the minimum wage and why raising it will not lead to vast unemployment. 

Living in Ireland is expensive. From bills to rent, a decent standard of living is increasingly difficult. Taxes, universal social charge and personal finances are ever only upwards. In one of the worst economic periods in our history, a basket of food, electricity, insurance, and even the price of a stamp increased.

Ireland might have a high minimum wage compared to our European neighbours, but we have a high price to pay for ordinary costs. The minimum wage is a controversial subject from the outside. Employers say that it will lead to job losses when things are turning for the better. Employees will say that it will provide them with more money to spend in the economy, boosting the finances of businesses.