22 July 2008
The Employment Forum has today issued its minimum wage review. The Forum is seeking views on any impact the minimum wage may have had since its introduction in July 2005, as well as examining the method and formula that has been used to increase the minimum wage in the past two years and it’s appropriateness for continued use in future years.
The Forum has issued a consultation paper to all those on its consultation database. Responses from members of the public, and from organisations, businesses and other interest groups are welcome. These should be submitted by 1 September 2008 to allow time for the comments to be fully considered. The Forum will present its recommendation for the April 2009 increase in the minimum wage to the Social Security Minister in October 2008.
Wendy Lambert, Chair of the Employment Forum, said: “The Forum has a duty to consult on the minimum wage, as well as other aspects of employment legislation at the Social Security Minister’s direction. The Forum performs a very important role in the development of practical employment practice and legislation by seeking a balance that is right for Jersey, based on consultation with the public.”
Ms Lambert also noted that: “The Forum is currently seeking two new members - one employee representative and one employer representative. Our members must be able to consider complex issues in the context of the Island as a whole and must be able to act independently with a view to reaching a consensus within the group, balancing the right of employees against the impact of such rights on employers in the Island.”
Prospective “employee” representatives must have knowledge or experience of employee issues or trade union issues, such as an individual employee, or a member of a trade union or a staff association. “Employer” representatives must have experience or knowledge of employer issues in the workplace, such as a business owner, or a member of a trade body or an employer’s association.
Members are appointed to the Forum by the Social Security Minister for a three-year term on the basis of their interest in employment relations and the diversity of their backgrounds, but must serve in a personal capacity and not as a representative of any particular interest group.
The Forum’s minimum wage consultation paper is available on the States website www.gov.je/ChiefMinister/PublicConsultations. The role specification and application form to apply for a position on the Forum are available on the “Jobs in Jersey” website http://www.jobsinjersey.gov.je/. Copies can also be obtained from Kate Morel, Employment Forum Secretary.
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Notes to Editors
1. The minimum wage rates implemented since 2005 are shown in the table below.
|
1 April 2005 |
1st April 2006 |
1st April 2007 |
1st April 2008 |
Minimum Wage |
£5.08 |
£5.24 |
£5.40 |
£5.80 |
Trainee Rate |
£3.82 |
£3.94 |
£4.05 |
£4.35 |
Accommodation offset |
£55.65 |
£57.32 |
£59.10 |
£63.47 |
Accommodation and food offset |
£74.20 |
£76.43 |
£78.80 |
£84.63 |
- The Employment Forum was established in 1999 to act as a consultative body in a non-political arena. It consists of 3 independent, 3 employer and 3 employee representatives.
- Full details of the honorary positions available on the Forum are on the http://www.jobsinjersey.gov.je/ website and the position will be advertised in the Gazette section of the JEP on Tuesday 22 July.
For further information, or to be included on the Forum’s database for future consultations, please contact Kate Morel, Policy Principal and Secretary to the Forum, email: K.Morel@gov.je Tel. 447203.
gov.je