A BLACKPOOL hotel industry chief has warned a swift introduction of the minimum wage would "have a devastating effect".

While welcoming the Government's new strategy to spotlight tourism as a valuable job-creating industry, Blackpool Hotel and Guest House Association secretary Josie Hammond said: "I am very concerned about plans for a minimum wage.

"Everyone is entitled to a decent wage for an honest day's work, but where you set that wage is the crucial thing.

"It could lead to a lot of people being unemployed because employers are can't afford it.

"Introducing a minimum wage suddenly could have a devastating effect on the industry. It should be introduced gradually."

The figure being talked about in government circles is £3.60 an hour, though the unions are pressing for £4.60 - half average male earnings.

Blackpool North MP Joan Humble said: "I think very few people now contest the philosophy of a minimum wage.

"What most employers are concerned about is the level of the minimum wage and making sure it is not set unrealistically high."

Mrs Hammond welcomed tourism minister Tom Clarke's strategy aimed at improving standards and boosting visitors to resorts.

She said: "For too long tourism has been seen as a low-paid industry with no future.

"The leisure industry is a very important part of the economy."

Next Monday (Feb 23), Mrs Humble and Blackpool South MP Gordon Marsden will meet Employment Minister Andrew Smith to raise the issue of seasonal employment.

Mr Marsden said he would be encouraging the Labour Seaside Group of MPs to lobby hard for recognition of resorts' employment problems.

Said Mrs Humble: "Governments in the past have often underestimated the importance of tourism in boosting local economy and providing jobs."

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