More details needed before changing minimum wage rate

Committee 'unable' to recommend increase before April

A committee tasked with reviewing the Isle of Man's minimum wage rates says more details are needed before changes can be recommended.

The Minimum Wage Committee began its review in October and now wants support from the Department for Enterprise and Treasury.

Currently the rate stands at £10.75.

The Department for Enterprise, alongside Treasury, says it intended to propose increases this month to be implemented in April.

However, it says such a recommendation can't be made without a detailed impact assessment.

A joint statement says: "In the absence of a recommendation from the Committee, the Department and Treasury are unable to bring forward proposals at this time. As such, there will be a delay in seeking Tynwald approval and the subsequent implementation of revised Minimum Wage rates."

"Whilst this clearly will be of concern and disappointment to some, the Committee has a statutory responsibility to consider the social and economic impact of any potential recommendation in respect of the rates of the minimum wage and, as such, their request for additional time to understand the potential impact must be appropriately considered.

"The Department for Enterprise and Treasury will confirm the expected revised timeline for final Minimum Wage proposals as soon as possible following confirmation of the scope of work to be undertaken by the committee."