The government has announced the reintroduction of trainee minimum wage rates in a u-turn which will see first-year trainees paid £10.50 per hour.

It comes less than 24 hours after the Jersey Chamber of Commerce called for a policy “rethink” following a survey of its members.

This reduced minimum wage was scrapped from the start of 2024, after politicians backed an amendment from Deputy Max Andrews to integrate trainee minimum wage rates into a single minimum rate for all employees above school-leaving age.

But from 1 September 2025, trainee minimum wages are being re-introduced – with first-year trainees to be paid £10.50 per hour, and second-year trainees to be paid £11.75 per hour.

These rates apply to trainees and apprentices on approved training programmes.

After two years in the same job on an approved training programme, employees must be paid at least the minimum wage, even if they continue training beyond the end of the two years.

The new rates apply to trainees starting a new job from 1 September onwards, so existing trainees will continue to have a minimum wage of £13 per hour.

Social Security Minister Lyndsay Feltham said: “This is a positive step to help trainees and apprentices to gain experience, build confidence, and develop key skills.

“At the same time, we’re supporting businesses to invest in trainees as part of building a strong, inclusive economy.

“We are already supporting businesses to invest in skills training through the Better Business Support Package and together these actions also support our Investing in Jersey strategy.

“These new trainee rates will create more opportunities and help make the transition into skilled jobs clearer and more accessible.”

Education Minister Rob Ward added: “Skills Jersey have done a lot of work with industry to identify key skills gaps and a list of approved courses which are accredited.

“By supporting trainees and apprentices with fair starting rates, we’re opening more doors for Islanders to gain valuable qualifications and experience.

“This change strengthens our pathway from education into skilled, rewarding work, and helps ensure that learning truly is a lifelong opportunity for all.”

The Chamber of Commerce said there would be “relief” among small businesses who were faced with increased wage costs for trainees, and the trainee wage reintroduction would also mean that employers would feel confident in offering entry-level opportunities for young people and those with no prior experience. 

The trainee rate will be kept under review alongside regular minimum wage evaluations to ensure it remains appropriate and fair, the government said.