Voisin apologises after minimum wage comments spark government concern

Jersey’s Minister for Sustainable Economic Development, Deputy Gerald Voisin, has apologised for publicly commenting on the future of the minimum wage without first discussing his views with fellow ministers.

Voisin faced criticism after writing to a newspaper that the minimum wage was “strangling our economy”. He has since stressed that he was not calling for the statutory minimum wage to be abolished, but wanted to raise concerns about its impact on Jersey’s economy.

The deputy said he believed there had been a lack of discussion about the issue and wanted to contribute to the debate.

Chief Minister Senator Lyndon Farnham said ministers were free to hold differing opinions, but significant policy issues had to be considered through the proper government processes.

In a statement, Voisin said he remained committed to working with colleagues to build a competitive and sustainable economy while supporting good jobs, higher living standards and opportunities for islanders and businesses.

He also apologised to islanders who had been “concerned or unsettled” by his remarks and sought to clarify his position.

Voisin said his letter had not called for Jersey’s statutory minimum wage to be removed and confirmed: “I will not be pursuing an abolition.”

He described the minimum wage as an “important protection” for employees, while arguing that there should be a wider debate about measures to help islanders manage Jersey’s high cost of living.

“The minimum wage,” he said, “will be part” of that discussion.

Senator Farnham has made clear that the government does not intend to scrap the minimum wage, which he said provides an important safeguard for lower-paid workers.

In a letter to Voisin, published by the government, Farnham said the publication of his views had caused understandable concern, particularly because he had asked the deputy to withdraw the letter before it was published.

The Chief Minister said workers dependent on the minimum wage could have been worried about the effect of such a proposal on themselves and their families. He added that the episode had created uncertainty over the government’s position.

Farnham also issued a warning to Voisin, saying he would expect him to resign if there was another significant failure to follow the Ministerial Code or the appropriate ministerial processes.

The dispute comes as Jersey continues to face debate over wages, living costs and how best to support lower-paid workers while maintaining a sustainable economy.