The States of Jersey has agreed a revision to the minimum wage that first came into effect on July 1st 2005. The wage was increased on April 1st 2006 and again on April 1st 2007.
In simple terms, the regulations state that there is a "trainee rate" for a maximum period of one year for those on training programs accredited by Employment & Social Security Department. From April 1st 2007 a trainee rate of £4.05 per hour was agreed. After the expiry of the first year of employment, such trainees will be entitled to the statutory minimum wage. Please click on "read more" below for guidance on whether the Trainee Rate is appropriate.
The full Minimum Wage rate, effective from 1st April 2007 was agreed at £5.40 per hour and should apply to all employees over school leaving age, except when the trainee rate is paid and a few "special classes of person" as detailed in articles 36 to 43 of the Employment Law.
Where accommodation and food is provided as part of the terms of employment, an "offset" of £78.80 per week was agreed as from April 1st 2007. This amount represents a maximum offset against weekly pay for the purposes of establishing whether the Minimum Wage has been paid. Where only accommodation is provided, the offset should be a maximum of £59.10 per week (75% of the combined accommodation and food rate). No other "benefit in kind" may be offset against the minimum hourly rate.
The amount of offset and the hourly rate of pay, overtime pay or shift pay, etc., must be clearly set out in an itemised payslip.
The Employment Forum will make recommendations annually, following consultation, on any necessary adjustments.
[Click] to view the Code of Practice - Accredited Training Rate
[Click] to view JACS Guidance Note on the Minimum Wage