Sector's wage rise concerns heard

Rate hike worries taken on board - Skelly

The concerns of some sectors of the hospitality sector were considered prior to the introduction of a £7.50 minimum wage rate for over 25s on the Island.

Heron and Brearley have hit out at the rise, claiming it could lead to price increases and even job losses, and the Chair of the Chamber of Commerce's Visitor Economy Committee believes their submissions have been ignored.

The Licensed Victuallers Association, which represents the vast majority of free trade public houses and eateries, has welcomed the increase, whilst accepting there are issues within the industry.

Chair Andy Saunders says punishing working members of staff and diluting the employment pool by paying below par wages is definitely not the solution.

Speaking on Mandate this morning (Fri 24) Economic Development Minister Laurence Skelly said that industry concerns had been listened to: