Govt not looking at reviewing the National Minimum Wage rate for now

The government is not looking at reviewing the National Minimum Wage rate anytime soon.

While speaking to employers during the Post Budget Breakfast held at the Grand Pacific Hotel, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad assured them that the minimum wage is not going to be reviewed anytime soon.

He says the government wants to work with employers to ensure that our workers are looked after well, however, there is an issue about productivity facing the country.

Showing gratitude for what Professor Prasad announced, the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation says this will definitely and immediately generate more confidence within the private sector and with potential investors.

FCEF Chief Executive Officer Edward Bernard says this announcement allows businesses to plan their next financial year with more certainty and re-look at their investment and human resource plans that were on hold.

Bernard says in April this year, the minimum wage had increased by 25 percent and in the last five years by more than 80 percent.

He says while he can understand that wage rates have stagnated against the increasing cost of living, businesses of all sizes and in all sectors are also faced with the increasing cost of doing business.