The chair of a former select committee which sought the abolition of the Agricultural Wages Board, has now conceded it should remain in place.

Michael MHK David Cannan was one of those responsible for looking into a Petition for Redress of Grievance from agricultural worker Philip Kermode.

Mr Kermode presented the petition in July 2003 claiming he'd been paid at a rate below the minimum wage set by the AWB.

As a result the committee called for the abolition for the AWB and for its functions to be transferred to the Department of Trade and Industry.

Subsequently the matter was taken to court, and Mr Kermode was awarded several thousand pounds in back pay.

But now the Council of Ministers has stated that the abolition of the AWB would be a lengthy process which wouldn't be of any benefit to workers since it has now been significantly improved.

Mr Cannan accepted this on the basis of the assurances he was given, as did all other Tynwald members.


(Photograph courtesy of Manx National Heritage)