By Warren Bertram
Effective June 1, the national minimum wage will be increased to $13,000 per 40-hour week.
Prime Minster Andrew Holness announced the increase during his budget presentation in the House of Representatives on Thursday evening.
Mr. Holness said the increase is to prevent erosion of the income earned by minimum wage workers.
"We recognise that the contribution of minimum wage earners, such as household workers, artisans, labourers, store clerks and security personnel is vital to the success of our manufacturers, hotel professionals, lawyers, doctors and teachers in meeting our national productivity and service targets," he added.
The new minimum wage is a 44 per cent increase over the previous figure.
The minimum wage was previously increased by 28.5 per cent on April 1, last year, from $7,000 to $9,000 per 40-hour work week.
