Caritas Jersey has recognised JT’s commitment as a living wage employer with the presentation of a plaque at the company’s Forum headquarters.

JT is Jersey’s first large-scale commercial organisation to become a Living Wage Employer, ensuring that all its employees in the Channel Islands and around the globe are paid a fair wage for their work.

In Jersey JT employs over 400 people, and over 600 worldwide. The company’s pledge to provide access to a fair wage across its jurisdictions has been welcomed by Caritas Executive Director John Scally. “JT has set a great example as a large organisation which fully understands the value of its employees and is committed to working with the community to help eradicate poverty in Jersey. The living wage is a two-way street, supporting the community and supporting better business practice. Having valued and respected employees mean that businesses benefit from lower absenteeism, lower turnover and better service from their teams,” said Mr Scally.

The government’s minimum wage rate is separate to the living wage which is an hourly rate calculated by the Living Wage Foundation to cover the basic essentials of living, like housing, food and transport and the aim of the Caritas campaign is to raise people out of poverty by working with local employers.

JT Group HR Director, Nicola Reeves, said: “JT prides itself on being a responsible employer, we have supported Caritas since the Living Wage was formed and this recognition is our step to ensuring that people who live and work in Jersey have access to a wage which covers their basic needs, starting with our own people. We really hope that other Jersey employers across all industries recognise the worth of this campaign and more importantly the value and welfare of their employees which in turn will benefit our community as a whole.”

Today, over 2,500 employers throughout the UK and the Channel Islands display the Living Wage Employers Mark. In April 2019 Caritas announced a living wage rate for Jersey of £10.55.

Companies wanting to know more about becoming a living wage employer can find out more on the Caritas Jersey Living Wage Project website.