Tynwald has voted to implement a 9.9% increase in the island’s minimum wage.
From April, it will rise to £13.46 per hour and a youth rate of £10.76ph, up from £12.25 and £9.55.
With all of LegCo voting for the increase, only seven MHKs voted against, with most citing the impact it will have on businesses and inflation on the island.
Enterprise Minister Tim Johnston said confirming the rise now would provide “greater clarity and increased notice for both individuals and businesses than in previous years”.
Looking to strike back that the ultimate winner will be government, he added: “What we’re looking at here, a 37.5 hour week on the new rate of take home pay, a net increase of £1,600 a year. Three times more goes to the individual than goes to Treasury.
“Like Mr Clueit said, what does go to Treasury then pays for our services.”
Debate
Voting for the rise, Lawrie Hooper said: “We’ve heard as well that businesses are concerned by the amount of the rise, the pace this is going up by £1.21 an hour in April 2026 again, I can appreciate their concern about rising raising it that much.
“I suppose in the government’s defence Chamber of Commerce knew this when they supported the methodology couple of months ago.”
He also tried to move an amendment to allow a smaller rise in April, which could then be revisited, but this was voted down by members.
The Liberal Vannin leader also said he would back the plan if his amendment failed.
Rob Callister said he understood the concerns of business but said he was “duty bound to support the increase because of an election promise I made my to my constituents”.
Against
While the plan received the support from over two thirds of MHKs, there was significant opposition from those who voted against.
John Wannenburgh said by opposing the rise he was standing by his manifesto pledge to support small businesses and said he had spoken to owners who told him they weren’t sure how they would afford the rise.
Jason Moorhouse also opposed the rise, saying he had decided to vote against talking to a “chap” who told him about his employment situation and how he feared losing hours if the increase was implemented.
Julie Edge said she was concerned members were being asked to vote without having enough information about the impact the rise could have on business and government expenditure, suggesting the debate should be adjourned, but this was not done.
We will have a fuller breakdown of the debate tomorrow morning.
How Your MHK Voted
