Decision this month on minimum wage rise

Social Security Minister Paul Routier will take the proposal to the House after agreeing the Employment Forum’s recommendation to raise the main rate by 16 pence, and the trainee rate by 11 pence. If approved, the rises will come into force on 1 April. The new rates for hourly wages, and the maximum amount an employer can deduct every week for providing board and lodgings will be debated by the States. The proposed rates are: a minimum wage of £5.40; a trainee rate of £4.05; a maximum accommodation offset of £59.10; and a maximum accommodation and food offset of £78.80.