Hike in minimum wage likely

The minimum wage could be going up.

Minister of Labour Colin Jordan said the increase was being considered by his ministry in consultation with the Minimum Wage Board, which was responsible for making recommendations.

Speaking in the House of Assembly on Tuesday, Jordan said he had met with the board, including independent representatives, representatives from the employers and from workers’ organisations, and had indicated to them that Government was in the process of revising upward the minimum wage.

It is $6.25 per hour.

While contributing to debate on the Value Added Tax (Amendment Bill) 2019, the St Peter MP appealed to businesses in line for VAT return payments to invest some of that money in employing young people as part of Government’s First Jobs Programme.

“We expect businesses to partner with us in sharing the cost of ensuring that the young people of this country . . . in response to the environment that we are creating for them and for the country, to respond and assist Government with the burden of financing these internships . . .”

Jordan said he was not claiming that all young people got involved in deviant behaviour because of lack of opportunity, but he made a case for their employment, asking businesses to “give young people a chance” to work.

“You and I recognise that when people feel disconnected from what young people call the system, then it becomes very easy for those young people to turn against the system.” (GC)