Economic Development Minister apologises for minimum wage comments

The Economic Development Minister has apologised to islanders for his remarks on the minimum wage after the Chief Minister tells him he 'did not follow the Ministerial Code.'

Deputy Gerald Voisin says he would particularly like to apologise to those who 'rely on the minimum wage' after a letter he wrote to the JEP on Jersey's minimum rate of pay sparked fierce debate. 

Read: Economic Development Minister says minimum wage is 'strangling' Jersey's economy

The Minister has issued a statement today (20 August) saying that he does not want to see it abolished, and that he recognises its importance:

"My letter did not state that Jersey’s statutory minimum wage should be removed and for the avoidance of doubt, I will not be 
pursuing an abolition. I recognise the important protection this provides to employees and the reassurance it gives that there is a minimum level below which wages cannot fall.

He says, however, that there is a 'legitimate discussion' to be had on how to help islanders cope with the high cost of living in Jersey, a part of which will include the minimum wage.

It's after the Chief Minister wrote to Deputy Voisin, saying that his letter to the JEP 'did not follow the Ministerial Code.'

In the letter, Senator Lyndon Farnham writes:

Policy issues, particularly those that fall within another Minister's area of responsibility or have wider implications across Government, should first be discussed through the appropriate ministerial processes.

By writing directly to the media before such discussions had taken place, you did not follow the standards and collective processes expected under the Ministerial Code.

He says that the Ministerial Code requires Ministers and Assistant Ministers to adopt a 'no surprises' approach to significant public announcements and communications.

The Deputy's comments meant Senator Farnham issued a reassurance that there were no plans to abolish minimum wage laws.

Read: CM: 'No plans' to abolish minimum wage

Deputy Voisin says he realised he should have discussed the matter with his ministerial colleagues, and will do so in the future.

The Chief Minister says he is 'content to proceed' based on the Minister's apology and assurances provided, but that any further significant failure to observe the Ministerial Code or appropriate ministerial processes would lead him to expect a resignation.

Neither minister will be interviewed.