Minister sets sights on £7 an hour minimum wage

New rates on way for low paid workers

Plans to increase the Island's minimum wage will be put to Tynwald this month.

The Department of Economic Development says the above-inflation rise represents a significant boost in real terms earnings for those paid the wage.

The hourly rate for those aged 21 and over will go up by 35p to £7.

The 18-20 age group will see their rate go up from £6.40 to £6.65, and there are also rises for 16 and 17-year olds, currently on different rates, to £5.40.

The biggest rise will go to trainees aged 18 and over, who will see their hourly wages rise by £1.41 to £6.65, an increase of almost 27%.

DED minister Laurence Skelly says the minimum wage committee has balanced the interests of employees and employers.

The increases are above inflation which currently stands at -0.8%.

If approved by Tynwald later this month, the new rates will apply from 1 January 2016.