Minimum wage increase accepted by minister

A recommendation to increase the minimum wage has been accepted by the social security minister.

​The Jersey Employment Forum's latest report recommended hiking the minimum wage rate to £13.97 per hour from 1 April 2027 - an increase of 2.8% on the current £13.59 in line with the Jersey retail price index (RPI) in June 2026.

Senator Elaine Millar, Minister for Social Security, said she had "decided to accept the forum's recommendations in respect of the main minimum wage and trainee minimum wage rates".

Forum chairwoman Carla Benest said it had been "challenging times" for businesses and employees and "the forum has endeavoured to reflect that in our recommendations".

The report recommended minimum wage rates for year one and two trainees remained at £10.50 and £11.75 per hour respectively for one more year from 1 April.

It also recommended an equivalent increase in the allowances available to employers for accommodation and meals provided to employees earning the main minimum wage rate, which Millar said she accepted.

The minister said: "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."

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