676 on benefits get more than minimum wage workers

A government minister says more than 650 residents are getting more in benefits than they would on minimum wage.

Treasury Minister Alex Allinson faced a question for written reply from Onchan MHK Julie Edge about how many benefits claimants get more than the Island's lowest earners.

In his answer, he said the current minimum wage works out at £400 per week, and 676 people were receiving more than that in social security benefits.

He revealed the vast majority of those were on income support as well as other benefits for children, incapacity, maternity or disability.