The industry group has responded to a consultation launched by ESS, seeking feedback from employers and employees.
CGi said it recognised that all staff should not be financially disadvantaged and accepted the need for an annual increase in the minimum wage.
However, it is unhappy with the proposition that under-18s should be paid the same as adults.
‘As the current RPIX stands at 4%, the proposed increase in the adult rate is considered acceptable. However, as we have outlined to the previous ESS president, the minimum wage set by the States does not determine pay levels for many employees on-island,’ said CGi chairman Garin Dart.
‘Wage levels in some sectors are driven by local market pressures and the continuing shortage of available workers.
‘Businesses are frequently required to increase wages across their wider workforce whenever the minimum wage rises in order to maintain parity between entry-level and more experienced employees.’
Aligning the young person’s rate with the adult minimum wage would constitute a rise of 15%.
The industry association has called for a balanced approach that supports young people while protecting employment opportunities and business sustainability.
‘The CGi does not believe this proposal is justified simply by comparisons with Jersey,' said Mr Dart.
'More fundamentally, we do not consider it reasonable to equate the value, experience and productivity of a 16-year-old entering the workforce for the very first time with that of an adult employee who may already have years of experience, training and responsibility.
‘Many employers have become less willing to offer weekend, seasonal and holiday work to younger people because of the increased costs involved.
‘These opportunities are often a vital first step into employment, helping young people gain practical experience, develop workplace skills and build confidence.’
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