‘Pay more if you can’, Charles Jr tells employers ahead of increase in minimum wage on July 1

KINGSTON, Jamaica–With the national minimum wage set to increase by 1,000 per week to 17,000 effective July I, 2026, Labour and Social Security Minister Pearnel Charles Jr is urging employers to pay more if they are able to do so.“The minimum wage is a floor, not a ceiling. I call on employers, especially those who can afford to do more, to invest in their workforce and to go beyond the minimum where circumstances permit. Let us move from compliance to genuine appreciation,” Charles Jr said.He was speaking in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, where he led the debate on the Minimum Wage (Industrial Security Guards) (Amendment) Order, 2026 Resolution and the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Order, 2026 Resolution, which give rise to the increase.As of July 1, the single time standard pay for a regular workweek moves from 400 per hour to 425 per hour during a 40-hour work week. Time and a half rate or overtime pay will be increased from 600 per hour to 637.50 per hour for overtime work done in excess of 40 hours in any week, and double time rate or premium pay is to be increased from 800 per hour to 850.00 per hour for work done by the worker on rest days or on public holidays.The same rates apply to industrial security guards who will similarly benefit from the 1,000 increase in the minimum wage.Charles Jr said the security guards will continue to benefit from their existing allowances and benefits.“This increase in minimum wage represents a reaffirmation of this Government's commitment to Jamaica's workers. It acknowledges the invaluable contributions of those who care for our children, support our households, protect our properties, and help drive economic activity across the country,” Charles Jr told Parliament.-Lynford Simpson