PROPOSALS to increase Jersey’s minimum wage by 10.9% – in line with inflation and equivalent to just over £1 extra per hour – have been accepted by the Social Security Minister.
Deputy Elaine Millar’s decision came on the same day as the publication of a report by the Employment Forum, which recommended that the minimum wage should rise from £10.50 to £11.64 from the start of January.
The minister also confirmed she had accepted the Forum’s recommendation to increase the offset rates for meals and accommodation by 10.9%, with the percentage figure based on the Retail Price Index in June of this year.
Maximum weekly offsets to employee accommodation will rise to £127.54, while the maximum offset for accommodation and meals goes up to £169.98 per week. The UK’s minimum wage is currently £10.42 per hour.
Deputy Millar said: “The government remains committed to seeing real increases to the minimum wage level.
“The Forum’s recommendation to increase the minimum wage by the June 2023 RPI figure and by more than the increase in average earnings is welcome – I believe this change will make a positive difference to those on the lowest wages.”
In publishing the report, Employment Forum chair Carla Benest, said: “We’re extremely grateful for the engagement with employees and employers and business and trade union organisations.
“We recognise that these are still challenging times for businesses and employees, and the Forum has endeavoured to reflect that in our recommendations.”
The Jersey Employment Forum is an independent, non-political public body, made up of employee and employer representatives, together with independent members.
The change will be implemented via a ministerial order signed by Deputy Millar.