Guernsey States agree to introduce a minimum wage

Guernsey will introduce a minimum wage of £6 an hour for adults from October, the States has decided.

For 16 to 18 year olds it will be £4.25 but the States agreed this would be equalised with the adult rate as soon as possible.

During debate the Commerce and Employment Department was accused of delaying over the issue.

Minister Carla McNulty Bauer defended her department and said coming up with workable plans was not a quick process.

She said: "There are certain thing in preparing legislation, in taking it to Privy Council, in going out to proper consultation and to be able to give proper evidence based information, that takes time.

"It is appropriate that we give that information correctly We have not dragged our feet, we are in support of minimum wage."

The department's plans, which include allowances for employers to reduce wages by up to £60 for providing accommodation and up to £85 for providing food and lodgings, were subject to three amendments.

Deputy Matt Fallaize's motion that the adult and 16-18 rates should be levelled was passed by 25-19, while his move to ensure the hourly minimum wage was set at 45% of the average island salary by 2020 was lost after the vote was tied at 22-22.

The States approved a suggestion by Deputy Rhoderick Matthews that the issue should be revisited in 2011.