Fiji's labour ministry has set the country's minimum wage at $US1.05 an hour, 17 cents less than the rate recommended by an independent consultant last year.
FBC reports the Labour Minister, Jone Usamate, as saying a lot of small enterprises can't afford to pay $US1.22 an hour, recommended by Dr Mahendra Reddy.
Mr Usamate says the new rate will heavily benefit people employed in the informal sector and will be reviewed annually.
The new wage rate will come into effect on March the 1st, and the minister says employers who fail to comply will be taken to task.
