There is “no end in sight to the cost of living crisis”, a Catholic social action charity has said as it highlighted the importance of its ‘living wage’ campaign at this time of year.
Caritas Jersey chief executive Patrick Lynch made the comments as construction firm Building Renovations Limited became one of the latest businesses in the island to receive the accreditation.
Caritas is licensed by the Living Wage Foundation in the UK to manage and co-ordinate the promotion of a ‘living wage’ in Jersey.
The rate, which takes into account the cost of living, taxes and the value of benefits available to working people on low incomes, is currently set at £14.13 per hour.
It is separate from the minimum wage, which rose to £13 per hour in April.
A living wage is so important as we enter into winter with greater costs for islanders to stay warm and no end in sight to the cost of living crisis
Caritas Jersey ceo Patrick Lynch
Social Security Minister Lyndsay Feltham recently urged employers to “go further and seek voluntary accreditation with the Living Wage Foundation” as she confirmed plans to raise the minimum wage to £13.59 an hour on 1 April 2026.
Building Renovations director Josh Richardson said the Jersey Living Wage accreditation “reflects our commitment to doing business the right way”, by “valuing our people as much as the quality of our work”.
“Paying the Jersey Living Wage is a core part of our commitment to our employees and makes up a range of benefits which include, a private pension scheme, death-in-service and critical illness cover,” he continued.
“Accreditation helps us show our clients, partners, and community that we’re serious about responsibility, fairness, and long-term sustainability for the business and our employees.”
Mr Lynch said Caritas was “very happy” to accredit Building Renovations Limited as the latest Jersey Living Wage employer.
“BR’s dedication to their employees and their subcontractors is exactly what the Living Wage campaign is all about,” he added.
“A living wage is so important as we enter into winter with greater costs for islanders to stay warm and no end in sight to the cost of living crisis.”