Derisory and lacking in realism.

That’s the Trades Council’s view on Tynwald’s decision to approve a 15 pence an hour increase to the minimum wage, below the rate of inflation.

That view's been heightened after it was revealed Tynwald voted on the increase last week, having been wrongly informed the proposed rise had the unanimous support of the minimum wage committee.

In fact, the committee supported it by just three votes to two.

Trade and Industry Minister Alex Downie has since apologised for the error, which he says was a mistake made by his department's officers.

However, Trades Council’s social legislation officer, Peter Murcott, says it’s regrettable in the extreme.