Unions had hoped the minimum wage would be set at �6 an hour

After years of discussion, the Employment Forum has announced it will be set at �5.08 per hour, with workers having to pay for any accommodation they are given.

Unions had been hoping for the minimum wage to be set at �6 an hour.

The minimum wage is just one part of the employment laws which have been up for debate for a long time in the island.

Expensive island

Employment tribunals for people who think they have been sacked unfairly are also being discussed.

The island's Transport and General Workers' Union (TGWU) leader, Nick Corbel, said he was relieved a minimum wage had at last been set.

But he claimed the lower rate could make it hard for people to make ends meet in an expensive island.

Mr Corbel said he was now keen to see other employment laws implemented as soon as possible.