Minister says establishing 'living wage' is unfeasible

Fri, 24 Apr 2015

Establishing a 'living wage' on the Isle of Man is completely unfeasible.

That was the message from the Economic Development Minister after he was ridiculed by The Celtic League for his response to a question on the issue in Tynwald this week.

Onchan MHK Peter Karran attempted to initiate a debate on introducing a wage that's high enough to maintain a 'normal standard of living' for Manx workers.

The campaign group says Laurence Skelly 'back-heeled' the proposal - saying it was too hard to calculate.

The minimum wage rate rise was nearly double inflation when it was raised in October.

Mr Skelly explains why it can't be done: