The Island’s ‘living wage’ increases

The rate takes into account the cost of living, taxes and the value of benefits available to working families on low incomes. It aims to ensure that workers who are paid the living-wage rate, topped up by in-work benefits, earn enough to live with dignity and thrive within the Island’s community.

Caritas Jersey, which is licensed by the Living Wage Foundation in the UK to accredit employers here, hope that encouraging more firms to sign up to the scheme will help to eradicate poverty in the Island.

Chief executive of Caritas Jersey Patrick Lynch said: ‘Despite the pandemic our living-wage campaign has seen significant interest this year. We now have 14 firms with living-wage accreditation and are working with many others to complete their applications. The 2021 rate of £10.96 per hour for Jersey recognises the true cost of living here in the Island.’

Local financial advisers Advisa Wealth have become the latest Jersey business to be accredited as a living-wage employer.

Trevor Griggs, director of the firm, said: ‘Advisa’s ethos is to guide our clients and “help them to live a better life”, which is fully aligned to the goals of the Living Wage Foundation. We fully support the aims and objectives of the foundation. The payment of a living wage not only benefits employees but also contributes to the Island’s economy as a whole.’

Firms which are already living-wage accredited have six months from 1 January this year to implement the new rate.

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