Who are New Zealand's low paid workers?

16 April 2007

Young workers aged between 16 and 24 years make up 45 percent of all low-paid workers. They are concentrated in two industries, with over half in retail and hospitality.

For low-paid workers aged over 25 years, the education, health and community industry sectors dominate. Over two thirds, or 68 percent, are women. Older low-paid workers differ significantly from the characteristics of the general workforce. They are much more likely than higher paid workers to be:

 

• Women
• Māori
• Single parents
• Working part time
• Without qualifications
• Holding multiple jobs