Alan McDonald: Employers and Manufacturers Association Head of Advocacy on minimum wage going up by 35 cents from April

Business advocates believe the latest minimum wage increase strikes the right balance during an economic downturn. The minimum wage will rise 1.5 percent - or 35 cents an hour - to $23.50. The Government says the moderate increase reflects the current economic climate and labour market.  Employers and Manufacturers Association Advocacy Head Alan McDonald says this won't cause businesses to cut jobs - but they will be more cautious.  "If you're thinking about hiring people - and people are still hiring people - if you can get someone for $25-$26 an hour who's done a few years in the workforce and has a proven track record - are you going on someone at $23.50 who doesn't?" LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.