SOCIAL Security Minister Elaine Millar has accepted a recommendation from the Employment Forum to increase the main minimum wage rate by 2.8% in April.
The rise to £13.97 an hour is in line with Jersey’s June 2026 inflation level.
Senator Millar has also accepted a recommendation to implement an equivalent increase in the allowances available to employers for the provision of accommodation and meals to those employees earning the main minimum wage rate.
And she agreed that the Year 1 and Year 2 trainee minimum wage rates should remain at £10.50 per hour and £11.75 per hour respectively for one more year from April.
The Employment Forum is an independent, non-political public body comprising employee and employer representatives, together with independent members.
Its recommendations were submitted alongside a report that took a range of relevant data into consideration, including average earnings statistics and the Retail Price Index, as well as written and online consultation responses from employers, employees and organisations.
Senator Millar stated: “I have decided to accept the Forum’s recommendations in respect of the main minimum wage and trainee minimum wage rates, and the offset rates which apply to accommodation and meals for those employees who are paid the minimum wage.”
She continued: “The Forum’s report also reflected on the debate about a youth rate and possible changes to the way in which the formal trainee minimum wage policy is currently set.
“I will consider carefully the arguments that have emerged from the Forum’s consultation exercise, and in particular whether a further consultation on these aspects should take place.”
More details and reactions in tomorrow’s JEP.
