Living wage could be introduced in 2026

Tuesday, 9 April 2024 at 07:00

States Members will be asked if they want to increase the minimum wage to a living wage by January 2026.

Deputy Max Andrews has lodged a proposition, which, if passed, would see the lowest earners taking home a pay packet that lines itself with Caritas Jersey's living wage.

Currently, Caritas Jersey thinks people should be paid £13.41 an hour, however, Jersey's minimum wage sits at £11.64.

The St Helier Deputy believes that workers should have the self-sufficiency to be financially independent.

"There has been a real issue when we see the low-wage economy workforce, many of them are on the minimum wage, and previously there are also an abundance of trainees as well, and all of them were in a position where they were really struggling because of the cost of living.

They didn't really have any disposable income, for instance, to build a reserve as well, because how can you build a reserve when you've got such a low income?"

Deputy Max Andrews of St Helier North

Deputy Max Andrews told Channel 103 that the government will account for smaller businesses if States Members pass this proposition.

"The Chief Minister, himself, said there needs to be a transition package to support those businesses that may be affected and secondly, as well, we need to make sure there is a decent enough time frame for businesses to adjust themselves for the implementation of the minimum wage increasing to the living wage."

The deadline for the change would be 1st January 2026, in just under two years.