THE government will “shortly” be signing-off on a £20 million support package aimed at helping businesses transition to a living wage over the next two years, according to the Economic Development Minister.
Deputy Kirsten Morel yesterday provided an update on the financial assistance that will be available to employers who are preparing for Jersey’s minimum wage to increase to £13 per hour in April 2025.
The change is the first step in a transition to a living wage by April 2026, when the minimum wage will be set at two-thirds of the 2024 median wage.
During this week’s sitting of the States Assembly, Deputy Jonathan Renouf asked for further information on the £20 million package of financial support measures to help employers adjust, announced by the government earlier this year.
Deputy Morel said: “The cost of living ministerial group met last week to discuss the proposed package of measures, which over 2025 and 2026 will be as follows.
“A productivity boost worth £6 million by the productivity grant [scheme], a £7 million investment in the visitor economy and hospitality industry, £3 million pounds in support of training investment, more than £2 million pounds in additional support for the rural and marine economy.” Deputy Morel added that “further support packages are also being considered”.
He also revealed that ministers “will be meeting again shortly to sign-off on the package”.
Deputy Renouf asked if the government’s “intention” was for all of the funds to be used within the next two years.
Deputy Morel replied: “I cannot guarantee one way or the other as to whether all [the] money will be dispersed in that two-year period, because I don’t know how many businesses will apply and I don’t know how much they will apply for.”
He added that discussions on whether the initiative could be continued past this point “would be a discussion for the government of that day”.
