In October Tynwald members agreed to a slightly watered down proposal to tie the minimum wage to the living wage. This led to the Local Economy Forum holding a lively meeting which, while highly critical of government and Tynwald’s decision, suggested a change to tax allowances and credits which would see the lowest paid taking home slightly more money and government and the private sector sharing the burden. Lawrie Hooper spoke against the Tynwald compromise and Chris Robertshaw led the private sector charge against. They talk to Perspective. A lively exchange to whet your appetite for Sunday dinner with a surprising outcome for pudding.

Earlier this week the Year of the Manx Language, Blein ny Gaelgey was officially launched at the start of the Cooish Manx language festival. The year has been organised by Jeabin, the Manx language network and there will be loads of events during the year to celebrate the Manx language. The year is primarily supported through existing budgets and a significant amount of voluntary effort, so why does government and the various Manx language agencies, groups and speakers think the language is so important? For a language that appeared to be on it’s last legs in the 1960s and 70s it’s certainly packing a punch now.

Perspective 2.11.25 - Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce

The Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce represents many Manx businesses and has been pretty vocal of late in expressing concerns over the minimum wage increase. It has at times been accused of being too influential over government but is that really the case? What do we need to change to drive economic growth, how can the Island’s housing problems be solved and what impact will artificial intelligence have on the Manx work place? And why is the oft discussed MoneyVal inspection so important? The Chamber’s pot seems to be overflowing with ideas but is government taking notice?