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Response less negative to minimum wage hikes, Express survey finds

April 22, 2015

Overall, views on raising the minimum wage are less negative than they were a year ago, according to a poll released by Express Employment Professionals. The online survey took place in March and included 837 business owners, HR professionals and employees.

Of those surveyed, 59% said a minimum wage increase would be bad for US businesses, down from 63% in 2014. However, 66% believe it would be good for US workers, up from 58% in 2014.

Similarly, 70% said raising the minimum wage would have a negative impact on employers. While 70% also said it would have a positive impact on employees, 60% said it would negatively impact the unemployed. Additionally, 65% said it would negatively impact the long-term unemployed.

Business owners and decision makers were also asked if raising the minimum wage to $10.10 would cause them to reduce future hiring or let employees go. Over one-third, 36%, said it would cause them to reduce hiring, and 17% said it would cause them to lay off employees.

“A minimum wage increase cuts both ways, as this survey reveals,” said Express CEO Bob Funk. “On the one hand, it could raise wages for some workers, but on the other hand it can mean layoffs. Because it also reduces the ability to hire, raising the minimum wage could mean zero wages for some.”