Tue, 21 Oct 2025

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 Minimum wage rise needed 'as prices getting high'

The public shares its views on a 9.9% Isle of Man minimum wage rise set to be voted on by Tynwald.
The Isle of Man's proposed minimum wage hike has sparked debate among workers, with some welcoming the 9.9% increase and others expressing concerns that it may lead to higher prices and business closures. Workers in various industries, including fast food and coffee shops, expressed mixed views on the proposal. Some, like Hassan Ali Tipu, a fast food worker, argued that the rise would help them meet their living costs and afford basic necessities. "It will be quite helpful for everybody because everything is getting expensive," he said. However, others, such as Matlide Liso, a coffeeshop worker, questioned whether the increase would simply lead to higher prices across the board, offsetting any benefits to employees. "If everything keeps rising alongside wages, it's just a little treat we get and we're still going to struggle," she said. Small business owners also expressed concerns about the proposed hike, with Ian Corlett warning that it could put people out of business due to increased overheads. His brother Jonathan added that basing the rise on median earnings skewed by public sector salaries made no sense. The Minimum Wage Committee had previously refused to back the 9.9% increase, citing fears about its impact on businesses and potential job losses. The committee's concerns were echoed by the Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce, which warned that the proposal posed a "serious risk" of business closures and job losses. Despite these warnings, Tynwald will still be asked to approve the proposed 9.9% increase in minimum wage from £12.25 to £13.46 an hour.
  >>