A voluntary ’living wage’ was approved by Tynwald last week. It encourages employers to adopt a 14.8% pay rise for employees on the minimum wage.

The introduction is a recommended value based on the cost of living. The minimum wage is £7.50 an hour while the living wage is £8.61.

Policy and Reform Minister Chris Thomas claims the concept would benefit employers as well as employees.

During the sitting he said: ’This has to be an era of corporate social responsibility, as well as business for its own sake.’

The Examiner asked people in Douglas to share their thoughts about the living wage, which is not legally enforceable, and how it might affect businesses and their staff.

’The living wage is a brilliant idea,’ said Douglas resident Ian Lloyd.

’People working in bars and restaurants in London, which has introduced a living wage, have had to rely on tips to live in the past.

’Our friend in London works at a small brewery, which has adopted the increase of living wages and they’ve had good, experienced people coming in.’

His wife Tracy said: ’Everybody should be earning enough not to struggle.’

When reflecting on their personal situation, she added: ’We take for granted that we have money in the bank.’

Conor Gray, an 18-year-old from Onchan, believes the voluntary aspect of the living wage seems ’unnecessary’.

He said: ’From a business perspective if you’re going to provide a wage you need to go all the way with it. If [the living wage] is there, it’s there for a reason.

’Businesses, that are short-staffed, will interest more people if a bigger wage is offered.’

Bronwen, who lives on the quay in Douglas, said: ’They should make the living wage compulsory because if employees aren’t getting enough, then you won’t get good service.’

When speaking about the economy of the island, she added: ’The island is not a cheap place to live. How do they want people to shop and spend money when they can’t afford it?’

Santon resident Debbie Carcas voiced her concern about the change. ’We would hope that the businesses who can afford it would take it on and shame on them if they don’t,’ she said.

When asked about the affect on her family, Debbie said: ’When my boys begin to earn a living, this non-compulsory change could affect them and I hope that they would have the right to have an adequate start in life.’

Glenn Jensen, aged 69 from Ballabeg, a self-employed sports therapist, says that the minimum wage ’is not enough to live on’.

’The living wage should be compulsory for everybody. Earning £7.50 an hour doesn’t encourage people to go out into the work field.’

Hannah Grove, a 27-year old mother who teaches sex education to year-11 and 12s, said: ’That seems stupid. If the government has sanctioned it then businesses should accept.

’If you’re not going to pay people that then they’re going to ask the government to pay the deficit.

’From my experience, I hope my kids never get a job on the minimum wage. It’s not a comfortable life.’