A six-man Wage Commission will include two ex officio members from the ministries responsible for labour and finance.

The news came as legislation to set up the commission was tabled on Friday in the House of Assembly.

Its main functions under the Employment (Wage Commission) Bill 2019 will be the recommendation of a minimum hourly wage and a living wage, as well as the pay period to which they would apply.

The commission will also be given the power to carry out inquiries and conduct research for a report.

The legislation defined a living wage rate as the income necessary for an employee and their household to enjoy “a socially acceptable standard of living” that covers essentials such as food, clothing, housing, medical and childcare, and transportation.