The minimum wage level has still to be set

People in Jersey could soon have to be paid above the level of a minimum wage.

A proposed employment law has been drafted and could be the first official legislation protecting workers' rights on the island.

The proposals, compiled by the Employment and Social Security Committee, aim to protect the rights of vulnerable islanders.

It sets out the introduction of a new minimum wage to be paid to all employees above compulsory school age working more than eight hours a week - which is yet to be decided.

It will also introduce employment tribunals for people who think they have been sacked unfairly.

Any dismissals of employees for being pregnant, taking union action or for calling for the minimum wage, will be automatically ruled unfair.

It is hoped the draft laws will form the basis of minimum standards for employment legislation and introduce future maternity provisions.

The Employment and Social Security Committee said: "The law puts the emphasis on clarity from the onset of any employment relationship and lays down minimum standards in the workplace."