Jersey Approves Minimum Wage Increase Following Forum Recommendation

The minimum wage in Jersey is set to increase to £13.97 per hour following the approval of a recommendation by the island's social security minister. The adjustment represents a 2.8% increase from the current rate of £13.59, matching the Jersey retail price index figure recorded in June 2026.

Senator Elaine Millar, the Minister for Social Security, confirmed that she had decided to accept the proposals put forward in the Jersey Employment Forum's latest report. The approved changes apply specifically to the main minimum wage and the trainee minimum wage rates, with the new figures scheduled to take effect from 1 April 2027.

Carla Benest, chairwoman of the Jersey Employment Forum, noted that the economic climate has presented difficulties for both local businesses and workers. According to Benest, the forum worked to ensure that its recommendations appropriately balanced these prevailing market conditions.

Under the accepted report, the minimum wage rates designated for year one and year two trainees will remain unchanged at £10.50 and £11.75 per hour respectively for an additional year starting 1 April. Senator Millar also confirmed her acceptance of proportional increases to allowances that employers receive for providing meals and accommodation to staff members earning the primary minimum wage.

Additionally, Minister Millar addressed broader structural questions raised within the forum's report regarding a potential youth wage rate and modifications to formal trainee policies. She stated that she will carefully review the arguments generated through the forum's consultation process to determine whether further public consultation on those specific topics is warranted.