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.