The head of a group that sets employment policy in Jersey says the island must deal with redundancy and disputes laws before looking at a minimum wage.

Richard Plaster, the new chairman of Jersey's Employment Forum, says while it is important, the island has more pressing labour issues to deal with.

The forum is a consultative body that makes recommendations to the States.

His comments comes as the UK's Equal Opportunities Commission starts a campaign on the island to raise awareness about flexible working hours.

Equal opportunities

Richard Plaster said proposals such as minimum wage are being considered for the island, but that such proposals have to be worked out fully.

The UK minimum wage is currently £4.20 per hour.

He said: "It would be counter-productive to have a great minimum wage but no one could afford to pay it.

"There are also other issues around the employment wage, such as a lot of people who could be caught up with the minimum wage would need to get accommodation provided."

"So there has got to be a balance here and it's that balance, that consensus view, which we are trying to find at the moment."

Mick Kavanagh of the Transport and General Workers Union said proposals being drawn up by the forum will help all workers in Jersey.

He said that equal opportunities were take seriously by island, despite no legal need to do so at present.

He said: "Most people have adopted the best practices without having the legislation."