The minimum wage for youngsters is to be increased slightly and the age at which adult rates kicks in will be reduced in stages from 23 to 21, social affairs minister Lodewijk Asscher is set to announce later today.

The plan is one of several contained in a new package of measures aimed at getting more people into work. The package has been put together with employers and unions, and unions in particular have been keen to see changes to youth pay.

Currently one in six of the under-23s earns the minimum wage, compared with one in 20 people on adult incomes. An 18-year-old on minimum pay earns €32 a day before tax and premiums. The over-22s earn €70.

The minister is also expected to announce changes to the way seasonal workers are employed and help for small firms faced with paying ill workers sick pay for two years.