Jersey's minimum wage has risen to £13 an hour from today (1 April).
This is £1.36 more per hour than the previous minimum wage of £11.64.
The government announced the rate rise last summer, saying it is the first step towards a living wage.
In April 2026, there will be a further significant increase, when Jersey's minimum wage will be set at two-thirds of the 2024 median wage.
Figures released last summer put that average 'middle value' sum for a full-time employee at £850 per week (£44,200pa).
In October 2024, it was found the 50% of Channel Islanders were struggling to meet their day-to-day needs financially.
Around 2 in 5 said they would struggle to afford an extra £100 a month increase in their living expenses.
Social Security Minister, Deputy Lyndsay Feltham said she hopes employers haven't just waited until today's deadline to increase salaries:
"I hope that they have been increasing their wages in anticipation of the law change. I would ask people on lower wages to check if their employers are meeting that legal obligation.
"I hope this ends up with more money in people's pockets.
"We are working towards introducing the minimum wage being more aligned to what would be considered a living wage.
"I really think that will help our lower paid workers with the higher cost of living, and really put the focus on those people that are so important in our community."
The living wage set by the Jersey Living Wage Advisory Group and overseen by the charity Caritas rose to £14.13 an hour in 2025.
Jersey's Chamber of Commerce has warned of 'casualties' in the business sector because of the higher payroll costs.
When the minimum wage was announced, the government also earmarked a financial support fund for two years.
It plans a cash injection into the economy to help employers adjust to the bigger wage bills and encourage businesses to invest and grow with the additional funds.
Jersey's government to invest £30 million into businesses
The package of measures includes a variety of grants to stimulate the rural and visitor sectors in particular, and to boost skills and productivity.
The Better Business Grant scheme is being administered by Jersey Business.
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