No plans to scrap minimum wage, says chief minister
The chief minister responds to criticism of the minimum wage by the economic development minister.
Jersey's chief minister, Senator Lyndon Farnham, has affirmed that the government has "no plans" to eliminate the island's minimum wage, currently set at £13.59 per hour. This statement comes in response to a letter published in the Jersey Evening Post by Sustainable Economic Development Minister Gerald Voisin, who contended that the minimum wage was "strangling our economy."
Minister Voisin's remarks followed calls for the minimum wage's abolition from economist and Value Jersey board member Douglas Kruger. Deputy Voisin had previously endorsed the political movement Value Jersey during the election.
In a statement, Senator Farnham clarified that Minister Voisin's letter represented his personal opinions and should not be interpreted as the official stance of the Council of Ministers or the States Assembly. Farnham emphasized that the government acknowledges the minimum wage as "an important issue which requires careful consideration," and that a statutory minimum wage "remains an important safeguard."
He elaborated, stating, "It helps ensure that work is fairly rewarded, protects employees from unacceptably low pay and provides an important level of security for many islanders and their families."
Farnham indicated that the government plans to discuss the future of the minimum wage, including its appropriate level and rate of increase, as part of its broader policy plans and budget. He also pointed out that the Social Security Minister, Senator Elaine Millar, holds responsibility for the minimum wage.
He added that ministers would have the opportunity to deliberate on any proposals before decisions are finalized, stressing the importance of the government considering the issue "in a balanced and evidence-based way, taking into account the interests of employees, employers and the island's wider economy."
Farnham concluded by reiterating, "I also want to be absolutely clear that the Government has no plans to propose the abolition of the minimum wage. Any such proposal would ultimately be a matter for the States Assembly to determine, but it is not a course of action the Government is pursuing."