SWITZERLAND WILL HOLD a referendum today on whether its minimum wage should be increased to €18 (22 Swiss francs) an hour, making it the world’s highest pay requirement.

Recent opinion polls suggest voters will reject the proposals which have been supported by unions and left wing parties.

They believe 4,000 francs (€3,280) is required to live in the country, renowned for having a high cost of living.

Just last week, Geneva topped the world’s Club Sandwich Index - data collected with an aim to give tourists an idea of how expensive a destination is. On average, the multi-layer sandwich costs €23.78.

Despite the high cost of living, the latest poll indicated that 64 per cent will say ‘no’ to what has been dubbed the ‘Decent Salary’ at the ballot box.

The business community believe increasing the minimum wage will act as a barrier for young people to enter employment. It could also prove fatal for some businesses, they say.

There will also be a vote today on whether the country should spend billions of euro on Swedish fighter jets, as well as on measures to ban paedophiles from working with children.

Switzerland holds referenda every three months as part of its direct democratic system.

Minimum Wages Across the World: 

• Ireland: €8.65
• Germany: €8 (to be introduced in 2015)
• Spain: €5.05
• USA: $7.25
• Australia: $10.63

Read: Where does Ireland sit on the international Club Sandwich Index?

Opinion: We want to see an increase in wages – and respect – for fast food workers

More: “This will cause problems” – EU warns Switzerland after immigration result

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