Nearly 70 businesses have been recognised as a Jersey Living Wage employer, those behind the campaign have revealed – as G4S was announced as the latest firm to have received the accreditation.
Patrick Lynch, chief executive of Caritas Jersey – which is licensed by the Living Wage Foundation in the UK to accredit employers in the island – said that the scheme remained “critically important to so many people”.
The rate, which is separate from the minimum wage, takes into account the cost of living, taxes and the value of benefits available to working people on low incomes. It is currently set at £15.10 per hour.
Caritas Jersey has stated that “the purpose of encouraging employers to sign up as Living Wage employers is to play a part in eradicating poverty in Jersey”.
The cost of living crisis shows no sign of slowing with Jersey’s costs even increasing more than our nearest neighbours in Guernsey
Caritas Jersey ceo Patrick Lynch
Michael O`Leary, of G4S, described the accreditation as “an affirmation of our commitment to our teams and the local community”.
He said: “We believe we have a moral duty to ensure our employees earn a sensible wage that allows them to live with dignity.”
Mr O`Leary added: “Paying the Living Wage is not only the right thing to do, but it also reflects the value we place on our dedicated teams’ local experience and knowledge.”
Mr Lynch, said: “We are very pleased to accredit G4S as the latest Jersey Living Wage employer.”
He continued: “As we have heard in the news over the last few weeks, the cost of living crisis shows no sign of slowing with Jersey’s costs even increasing more than our nearest neighbours in Guernsey.
“A Living Wage is therefore critically important to so many people in these difficult times and we encourage other employers to follow the lead of G4S.”
Mr Lynch told Express that the number of accredited Living Wage employers in the island was now “approaching 70”.
