Most countries set only one national level for the minimum wage and allow only a few exceptions or reductions. The reductions are mainly granted in the case of particularly low-productivity workers whose employment opportunities become extremely limited when the minimum wage is set at a high level.
Some of the most common reductions are granted for younger employees, disabled workers, and apprentices.
Based on the youth’s labor market profile and estimated impacts on low skilled young workers, the World Bank recommends that government considers a lower minimum wage for young workers.