Jersey Government to Provide £250 Lump Sum to Approximately 900 Lower-Income Workers

Jersey’s government has announced that approximately 900 lower-income workers will receive a £250 lump sum. This payment is intended to provide support until a living wage is implemented. The government stated that the Registered Employee Support Payment Scheme (RESPS) is designed for individuals who have resided in Jersey for fewer than five years. Its purpose is “assisting employers and employees” during Jersey’s transition towards a living wage of £13 per hour, which is targeted for introduction by 1 April 2025. Individuals identified as potentially eligible have been contacted by the government and have until 22 November to apply for this one-off payment. Deputy Lyndsay Feltham, the minister for social security, commented that the progression towards a living wage is an “important priority” for the current government. She explained that the cost of living is affecting lower-income workers who have not lived on the island for five years, making them ineligible for income support. Feltham added: “They will benefit significantly from increases in the minimum wage over the next two years and this scheme is designed to support lower wage earners through this transitionary period, and hopefully encourage them to stay in the Island, and continue to provide important services and skills.” To be eligible for this scheme, an individual must be a Jersey resident, possess a Jersey or other UK bank account in their name, and be over 18 years of age. Applicants must have been resident for fewer than five years and hold “Control of Housing and Work Law” registered status. Furthermore, to qualify, individuals must not live in a household that meets the residency conditions for the income support scheme, and they must have declared contribution earnings in July, August, and September of 2024. The government has acknowledged that the original objective of reaching the living wage by the end of 2024 will not be achieved.