May 28, 2008 12:05 pm US/Eastern
Summer Jobs May Be Hard To Come By For Mass. Teens
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
Researchers at Northeastern University found just 35 percent of teens were working last year. That's the lowest level since just after World War II. And with current state laws, Bay State teens will find themselves competing with adults.
Sophomore Kerry Knott is set for summer -- getting her first job ever. "Once it's the school year, I have all my money from the summer to do with what I want."
But other teens may not be as successful because of the poor economy. Businesses are suffering, and that means they are not hiring as much as past years.
The head of the Retailers Associations of Massachusetts says inexperienced teens will likely be pushed out of the market. "There's a lot of competition for fewer jobs," said Jon Hurst. "That's the real problem."
And Massachusetts laws may also make it harder for teens. There is no lower minimum wage for young people like many other states have. And on Sunday -- when teens often work -- employers are required to pay employees time-and-a-half. "That's hurting them right at the front door -- versus someone with a little more experience," said Hurst.
And there may be a larger impact. Teens who do work stay off the streets and have more success later in life than those who do not. It's a rite of passage fewer teens may get to experience this year.
Another effect could be on the economy. Teens in Massachusetts have big spending power. They account for $4 billion of the economy, but if they don't make the money, they can't spend it.
The minimum wage is $8 an hour, and if the teenager works on Sundays -- that's $12 an hour.
An employer may think twice about hiring a teen at that rate, if an adult with more experience is going for the same job.
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