Doubts Cast Over Future of Island Trainees
- markdarrenwilkinso
- Apr 23
- 1 min read
Concerns Grow Over Future of Trainees as Wage Support Nears End
A Jersey politician has warned that rising wage costs could put trainee jobs at risk once government support for businesses ends.
Deputy Max Andrews raised concerns about the £5.3m Better Business Grant, which currently helps firms adapt to a higher living wage by subsidising 50% of staff training costs. The scheme is set to end after 2026.
With the minimum wage having risen from £11.64 to £13 an hour this April, Andrews fears many businesses will struggle to afford trainee wages once the grant expires. He has called for a formal review of how wage hikes have impacted trainee recruitment and retention.
His proposal would task the independent Jersey Employment Forum with examining trends since 2024, to identify any “unintended consequences” of wage policy changes. If approved, the forum would report back by September 2027.
The States Assembly is expected to debate the proposal on 13 May.
