What is a direct consequence of higher unemployment when minimum wage is set above equilibrium?

Prepare for UCF's ECO2013 Principles of Macroeconomics Exam 3. Study smart with flashcards, multiple choice questions, and detailed explanations. Get exam-ready today!

When the minimum wage is set above the equilibrium wage, it creates a situation where the cost of labor exceeds what many employers are willing or able to pay. This imbalance leads to a surplus of labor, as the higher wage attracts more individuals to seek jobs, but employers reduce the number of positions they offer because they cannot sustain the higher costs.

As a result, more people are looking for work than there are jobs available, leading to higher unemployment. This concept is rooted in the basic principles of supply and demand, where a price floor, such as a minimum wage, can lead to market inefficiencies, including a surplus in labor—or, in simpler terms, too many workers chasing too few jobs.

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