Wage rise 'clumsy and insensitive'

Backbencher claims issue is timing

An MHK has criticised Tynwald's approval of a minimum wage rise as 'clumsy and insensitive'.

Workers aged 25 and over are set to receive a minimum £7.50 per hour from June 1 - a 50p increase bringing the rate in line with the UK.

East Douglas representative Chris Robertshaw claims the move was inappropriately timed, with the private sector receiving insufficient warning.

While he 'supports higher wages', he says certain sectors need more time to adjust to changes.

He told Manx Radio the approach has been 'completely inadequate'.