JDC becomes island's first Living Wage developer

Tuesday 05 October 2021

The Government’s property development arm has become the first developer in the local construction industry to become a Living Wage employer.

The Jersey Development Company (JDC) is behind the Waterfront-based Horizon apartment project and the island's International Finance Centres, and is looking to build new homes at South Hill in future.

In joining the Living Wage scheme, which is backed by Caritas Jersey, JDC has agreed to pay its employees £10.96 per hour – a wage taking into account the cost of living, taxes and the value of benefits available to working people on low incomes.

“JDC prides itself on being a responsible employer and this demonstrates our commitment to paying the ‘Living Wage’ to staff that are employed directly by the company, and also to local staff employed indirectly through its sub-contractor partners,” JDC Managing Director Lee Henry said.

“We believe that all employees should be fairly recognised. This accreditation helps demonstrate JDC’s commitment and we hope this encourages other employers in Jersey to follow suit and become part of the growing movement towards fair wages for all.” 

Living Wage Campaign Team Leader Jennifer Bridge said she hoped that JDC’s accreditation as a Living Wage employer would be “really impactful on the industry in Jersey.” 

“I hope Lee Henry’s leadership in stewarding JDC to become the first developer in the construction industry to be accredited will inspire others to follow suit,” she added.

Pictured top: IFC6, the JDC’s next project, which was announced last month.