A Douglas MHK wants to see government provide evidence to address questions raised by the Minimum Wage Committee.
Earlier this year, the committee said it had concerns about the proposed rise and how it would hit low paying industries, some disabled workers and inflation, amongst others.
Despite the committee’s concerns, MHK’s and MLC’s passed the minimum wage increase in the October Tynwald Sitting.
Address Concerns
Chris Thomas MHK has sought an amendment to Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper’s motion in next month’s Tynwald sitting.
Mr Hooper wants to implement Financial Support for Small and Medium Sized Businesses.
His motion reads, “That Tynwald is of the opinion that the Department for Enterprise and the Treasury should ensure that there is appropriate support in place for small and medium sized businesses, including those which operate primarily or exclusively in the domestic economy, to assist them in adapting to the approved higher minimum wage and that this support should be in place prior to the minimum wage increasing in April 2026.”
Amendment
Mr Thomas wants to see an amendment which calls on government to set and maintain statutory minimum wage rates in the Isle of Man no lower than those set in the UK.
It also calls on government to report to Tynwald by March 2026 both i) providing the evidence to address each question raised by the Minimum Wage Committee in its Recommendation 2025 about the wider social and economic implications of the 2026 minimum wage including on some social security claimants including disabled workers and pay structures.
As well as reporting on the potential introduction and use of a targeted tax credit scheme for low-paid workers in the context of the minimum income standards as set out in the annual Living Wage calculations.
Tynwald will sit on Tuesday, December 9 at 10am.
