Trainee minimum wage reintroduced

Tuesday, 12 August 2025 13:03

A trainee minimum wage rate has been reintroduced in Jersey following pressure from local businesses.

Jersey's government has brought back the lower hourly wage after businesses called for a rethink.

The Chamber of Commerce raised concern that scrapping then trainee rate had affected the ability or willingness of employers to hire trainees or apprentices.

A survey highlighted the pressure that had been put on wage bills for smaller businesses and the potential loss of entry level jobs.

The Social Security Minister has today (12 August) announced the trainee rate will be reintroduced on 1 September.

It will be set at £10.50 in year 1 and £11.75 in year two for workers on an approved training programme.

Existing trainees will continue to be paid £13 per hour.

The trainee rate was abolished in January 2024, following a recommendation to government from the Employment Forum.

Deputy Lyndsay Feltham says the reversal of that decision aims to support businesses to sustainably invest in local talent and skills development.

"By supporting trainees and apprentices with fair starting rates, we’re opening more doors for Islanders to gain valuable qualifications and experience.

"This change strengthens our pathway from education into skilled, rewarding work, and helps ensure that learning truly is a lifelong opportunity for all.”

Approved courses which have been accredited by Skills Jersey are listed here

Jersey Chamber of Commerce says the news of the return of the trainee rate will come as a relied to many small businesses.

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