Jamaica’s minimum salary to increase by June 2023

Jamaica’s minimum salary will rise from $9,000 to $13,000 per 40-hour work week beginning June 1, 2023.

The statement was made by Prime Minister Andrew Holness during his contribution to the 2023/24 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives on Thursday. (March 16).

According to him, the new rate reflects a 44% increase in the national minimum wage, the largest in 20 years.

“This Administration is fully committed to providing minimum wage earners with a livable wage as part of its commitment to prosperity for our people,” he said.

Since 2016, the minimum wage has risen from $6,200 to $13, 000, indicating a 110% increase in seven years.

Over the same time period, cumulative inflation was less than 50%.

“We recognise that the contributions of minimum wage earners such as household workers, artisans, labourers, store clerks, and security personnel is vital to the success of our manufacturers, hotel professionals, lawyers, doctors, and teachers in meeting our national productivity and service targets,” the Prime Minister said.

Prime Minister Holness stated that the minimum wage for industrial security guards will be raised from $10,500 to $14,000 per week. This will likewise go into effect on June 1, 2023.

“We have engaged employers in the security industry to improve the conditions of work of our security guards, ensuring that the necessary statutory payments are made so that they will qualify for housing and national insurance pension,” the Prime Minister told the House.