Businesses invited to meeting to discuss pending Minimum Wage rise

'Local Economy Forum' formed to challenge government policy

A new lobby group has been formed in light of the recently approved Minimum Wage increase.

Known as the Local Economy Forum, the group will be hosting a meeting to discuss the potential impact of the rise from £12.25 to £13.46 from 1 April.

It says the forum is open to all businesses that generate the larger part of their income on the Island, or who export locally made products.

Its immediate aim, it says, is to take on the current government policy and propose an alternative. 

The pending rise in the minimum wage has been met with concern from a number of sectors on the Island, not least hospitality.

The forum is chaired by former MHK and Minister, Chris Robertshaw, and the meeting will be held on 10 November at the Palace Hotel in Douglas from 6:30pm.

The treasury minister has agreed to speak with Manx Radio to give his response in the coming days.

Manx Radio has also approached the Department for Enterprise for response.