2 days ago
Trainee wage brought back for Jersey apprentices
A trainee wage is being brought back by Jersey's government for businesses to pay its apprentices in Jersey have been paying apprentices the minimum wage of £13 since the lower rate was scrapped in 2023. The government said reintroducing the trainee rates would help businesses hire more apprentices into skilled Chamber of Commerce, which represents local businesses, said about 70% of the 79 businesses surveyed said having to pay trainees the minimum wage made them less likely to hire September, first-year trainees will be paid £10.50 an hour and second-year trainees will get £11.75. People already on a training programme will continue to be paid £13.
The chamber said its survey highlighted "significant concern among local employers" and had "urged the government to rethink"."A clear majority, 57 respondents, said their business would benefit if the trainee wage rate was reinstated," it said.
Jersey 'built on talent'
The chamber said there would be "relief among small businesses who were faced with increased wage costs for trainees".It added that "employers would feel confident in offering entry-level opportunities for young people and those with no prior experience".President of the Jersey Chamber of Commerce said the island was "built on talent"."I think this programme is going to enhance the sectors, it's going to improve the economy and hopefully it's going to retain some of the young workforce who actually stay in Jersey," he said.
Minister for Social Security Deputy Lyndsay Feltham said the "key difference" now was that there were "clear guidelines so employers and employees can be informed about what they are doing".She said: "It's really important that employees in particular know their rights and are aware around what training is available within this offer."Employers are working within a competitive environment in order to encourage staff to come and work with them - it's really important that employers are offering a good offering to people."
