The voluntary living wage - approved by Tynwald last week - is the ’first step on the road to a more equal society’.

That’s the view of Chief Minister Howard Quayle.

He was speaking as members received the government report recommending the introduction of a living wage of £8.61 - higher than the top band of the current minimum wage of £7.50.

The living wage is a voluntary figure, whereas minimum wage rates are legally enforceable. But the concept is employers who adopt the living wage would be able to use that as a ’kite mark’ style endorsement of company values.

Mr Quayle said: ’It is a genuine attempt by this government to do the right thing. It is the first step on the road to a more equal society.’

Policy and Reform Minister Chris Thomas moved the report at last week’s sitting.

He said that, while the government’s economic affairs division in consultation with the Manx National Economic Development Forum, arrived at the figure this year, the aim would be to pass on that task to an independent organisation.

He said that could be crucial in attaining an accreditation arrangement with the UK’s Living Wage Foundation or setting up a new accreditation body.

Mr Thomas said the concept would benefit employers as well as employees.

Bill Henderson MLC said he hoped the living wage would have a ’domino effect’ for employers.

Lawrie Hooper (LibVannin, Ramsey) called on all government departments to ensure none of their workers were paid below the living wage rate. Presently, there are 123 government employees who are paid at an hourly rate below £8.61.

Of those, 85 are new starters whose wage will increase to £8.78 per hour after one year. Also included are 19 health care assistants starting on £8.21. Mr Hooper tabled successfully an amendment to formalise Mr Thomas’ pledge to set up an independent body to set the rate in future.

â?¢ See page 20 for your views on the living wage.