Minimum wage raised

The House of Representatives approved the Minimum Wage (Industrial Security Guards) (Amendment) Order, 2026 and the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Order, 2026, on Tuesday, thereby increasing the minimum wage from $16,000 to $17,000 per 40-hour work week, effective July 1.

Labour Minister Pearnel Charles Jr said that the Government acknowledges the reality facing minimum wage earners and that “as a Government we do continue to increase the floor we have in order to better provide opportunity for those workers to be able to meet their daily expenses”. He said over the last 10 years, the Government has demonstrated, in action, a commitment to consistently increase the minimum wage, improving it from $6,200 in 2016 to $17,000. 

Under the new rates, the standard hourly wage will increase from $400 to $425 per hour, overtime pay from $600 to $637.50 per hour and double-time pay from $800 to $850 per hour. Industrial security guards will also benefit from the increase, with the minimum wage for the sector rising from $16,000 to $17,000 per 40-hour work week, alongside corresponding adjustments to hourly and overtime rates. Existing allowances and benefits for security guards will remain in place.

“The minimum wage is a floor, not a ceiling, and as we have done before, I again call on all employers, especially those who can afford to do more, to invest in your workforce. Go beyond the minimum where circumstances permit you to do so,” Charles added.