The Textile Clothing and Footwear Council believes that the decision to defer the implementation of the new wages order for five months would avoid further job losses in the garment industry.

TCF Council President Kalpesh Solanki said they welcome the decision by the Interim Prime Minister to defer the wage increase in light of the depressed economic climate and downturn in the export markets.

Solanki said they agree with Commodore Frank Bainimarama that Fiji needs to increase investment and economic activity so that more jobs can be created.

He said while they welcome the decision, they remain committed to working with their workers to find ways to cope with these difficult times as the hardworking 5000 odd workers, most of whom are women, are the ones making a significant contribution to Fiji's economy.

Solanki had earlier revealed that around 300 garment workers lost their jobs last month and the implementation of the new minimum wage would see another 1000 workers being laid off within the next six months.

The new wage order has been deferred until July 1st.