March 17, 2023
The Government of Jamaica acknowledges that the contribution of minimum wage earners is crucial to the success of manufacturers, hotel professionals, lawyers, doctors, and teachers in meeting the country’s productivity and service targets.
Against this background, the Prime Minister, the Hon. Andrew Holness at the 2023/24 Budget Debate on March 14 declared that the national minimum wage will increase from $9,000 to $13,000 per 40-hour workweek effective June 1, 2023. This increase is the largest in 20 years and reflects the Government’s efforts to create prosperity for Jamaica and Jamaicans.
Additionally, the minimum wage for industrial security guards will increase from $10,500 per week to $14,000, and the $1,000 differential between the national and industrial security guards will be removed at the next increase.
Mr. Holness noted the attacks on the security industry and that too many have lost their lives on the front line. To enhance the working conditions for security guards, the Government has put in place several reform measures, the most recent of which took effect in 2022. The minimum weekly National Insurance System (NIS) flat fee will increase from $1,700 to $3,000, a 74% increase. Starting on April 1, 2023, all other benefits due under the NIS as well as the old age, widow, widower, and invalidity pensions will be enhanced, which will be announced by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.
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