Jersey Living Wage Campaign – Caritas Jersey has been licensed by the Living Wage Foundation in the UK to manage and co-ordinate the promotion of a ‘Living Wage’ in Jersey. The Living Wage campaign is one of Caritas’ three main projects; the other two being the Social Inclusion Project and the Prisoners’ Families Support Scheme. The purpose of encouraging employers to sign up as Living Wage employers is to play a part in Caritas’ aim to reduce and one day, eradicate poverty in Jersey.
The Living Wage considers the cost of living, taxes and the value of benefits available to working people on low incomes. Its aim is to make sure that, on average, a worker receiving the Living Wage rate, topped up by in-work benefits, earn enough to be able to live with dignity and to thrive, not just survive within our Jersey community.
Helier Smith Chief Executive of Jersey Water said ‘Jersey Water is a Company with a clear purpose; supplying the water for our Island to thrive today and every day. Our people are our most valuable asset and critical to our success. Investment in them drives our culture and performance so I am delighted to have achieved this accreditation which shows our commitment to employees both present and future.’
The Jersey Living Wage Campaign Team Leader, Jennifer Bridge, said: “I am delighted that Jersey Water has signed up as a Living Wage employer, guaranteeing to both staff and customers that they pay at least the Living Wage. I anticipate that Jersey Water’s accreditation as a Living Wage employer will be really impactful in Jersey. Signing up sends a strong message signalling that Jersey Water value their staff and on-site contractors.’
Patrick Lynch, the CEO of Caritas, added: ‘We are very happy to announce the accreditation of Jersey Water as a Living Wage Employer. This is the first accreditation since the general election when our campaign to make candidates aware of the need for a Living Wage got widespread commitment and has seen the new government commit to the raising the minimum wage to parity with the Living Wage over the lifetime of the new assembly.’