Jersey's minimum wage set to rise again

Jersey's minimum wage is set to rise again next year, despite concerns raised by businesses across the island.

The recommended new rate from 1 April 2027 will be £13.97.

That's up from the current rate of £13.59 an hour.

The topic of the minimum wage has been hotly debated in recent months, particularly after Economic Development Minister Deputy Gerald Voisin said the current rate is 'strangling the economy'.

A survey of Jersey employers also revealed 'growing concern' about the 'pace' of recent minimum wage increases.

Jersey's Employment Forum says this year's review has been particularly challenging - given the arguments from all sides of the debate.

However, it says the recommendation to increase it by 38p an hour is appropriate and strikes a sensible balance between the interests of employees and employers.

It's in line with the Jersey RPI figure from June 2026.

The Forum has also recommended 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. 

Another recommendation is for the Year 1 and Year 2 trainee minimum wage rates to remain at £10.50 per hour and £11.75 per hour respectively for one more year from 1 April 2027.

Chair of the Employment Forum, Carla Benest, said: 

"I’m pleased that the Forum has been able to make these recommendations to the Minister for Social Security. We’re extremely grateful for the engagement with employees and employers and business and trade union organisations.

"We recognise that these are still challenging times for businesses and employees, and the Forum has endeavoured to reflect that in our recommendations."

The Social Security Minister has accepted the Forum's recommendations.

Senator Elaine Millar said:

"I’m very grateful to the Chair and members of the Employment Forum for their thorough report and their recommendations for the minimum wage and offset rates. I recognise that their task this year has been particularly challenging, given the significant public interest that this issue has aroused.

"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.

"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."