[Jersey] Trainee minimum wage reintroduced after u-turn

In Jersey, the Minister for Social Security has decided to reinstate the island's trainee minimum wage, ITVX reports.

From September 1, 2025, trainee minimum wages will be £10.50 for Year 1 trainees and £11.75 for Year 2 trainees.

These changes reportedly follow a survey by the island's Chamber of Commerce, which found that industry leaders across the island were struggling to recruit apprentices and trainees.

The trainee minimum wage was abolished at the start of the year when a standard minimum wage was introduced. This increased to £13 from April.

However, a recent survey by Jersey's Chamber of Commerce found that 55 of 79 responding companies (around 70 per cent) had been negatively impacted by the changes. Many stated that they had found themselves either unable or less willing to employ apprentices.

According to the survey’s findings, the increased wage costs for trainees were placing pressure on smaller businesses, with many employers fearing the ultimate impact would be the complete loss of entry-level opportunities, while 57 companies added that their businesses would benefit if the trainee wage rate were reinstated.

The Department for Employment, Social Security and Housing claims that the u-turn was motivated by a recognition that lower trainee wages allow for greater access to skilled employment for islanders at the start of their careers.

Deputy Lyndsay Feltham - Minister for Social Security - reportedly said she understands the wages "create more opportunities and help make the transition into skilled jobs clearer and more accessible" and "support businesses to invest in trainees as part of building a strong, inclusive economy".

The rates will apply to trainees working on approved training programmes within the first two years of employment.

In addition, employers must follow terms such as writing formal training agreements which clearly outline the programme's content, duration, and responsibilities.

Trainees who commence work before September 1 will reportedly receive the main wage of £13 per hour.

Source: ITVX

(Quote via original reporting)

In Jersey, the Minister for Social Security has decided to reinstate the island's trainee minimum wage, ITVX reports.

From September 1, 2025, trainee minimum wages will be £10.50 for Year 1 trainees and £11.75 for Year 2 trainees.

These changes reportedly follow a survey by the island's Chamber of Commerce, which found that industry leaders across the island were struggling to recruit apprentices and trainees.

The trainee minimum wage was abolished at the start of the year when a standard minimum wage was introduced. This increased to £13 from April.

However, a recent survey by Jersey's Chamber of Commerce found that 55 of 79 responding companies (around 70 per cent) had been negatively impacted by the changes. Many stated that they had found themselves either unable or less willing to employ apprentices.

According to the survey’s findings, the increased wage costs for trainees were placing pressure on smaller businesses, with many employers fearing the ultimate impact would be the complete loss of entry-level opportunities, while 57 companies added that their businesses would benefit if the trainee wage rate were reinstated.

The Department for Employment, Social Security and Housing claims that the u-turn was motivated by a recognition that lower trainee wages allow for greater access to skilled employment for islanders at the start of their careers.

Deputy Lyndsay Feltham - Minister for Social Security - reportedly said she understands the wages "create more opportunities and help make the transition into skilled jobs clearer and more accessible" and "support businesses to invest in trainees as part of building a strong, inclusive economy".

The rates will apply to trainees working on approved training programmes within the first two years of employment.

In addition, employers must follow terms such as writing formal training agreements which clearly outline the programme's content, duration, and responsibilities.

Trainees who commence work before September 1 will reportedly receive the main wage of £13 per hour.

Source: ITVX

(Quote via original reporting)