Recruiting,paying and training 16‐ and 17‐year‐old school leavers

This article examines firms' pay and employment practices in respect of school leavers aged 16 and 17. The focus is on the manufacturing, hospitality, construction, hairdressing and retail sectors, which are notable for employing relatively large numbers of young workers. Drawing on findings from a postal questionnaire survey of managers and interview data from 28 organisations, the article explores the reasons why firms choose to employ school leavers, the types of jobs that they are considered for and the pay and training they receive. The article also examines the considerations that influence employers' pay practices and the relationship between training activity and average wage levels.