Scheme launches to support Registered lower-income workers

30 October 2024

A temporary scheme to support lower-income workers who have lived in Jersey less than five years has been launched.

The Registered Employee Support Payment Scheme (RESPS) has been established as part of the range of support measures to assist employers and employees during Jersey’s transition towards a living wage.

Approximately 900 people who are believed to be eligible have been contacted by CLS to let them know that the support is available and that they have until 22 November to apply for a one-off lump sum payment of £250.

In order to be eligible for this scheme an individual must:

be aged 18 or over
have been be resident in Jersey for less than 5 years
have Control of Housing and Work Law ‘Registered’ status
not live in a household that meets the residency condition for the Income Support scheme
have contribution earnings declared in every month for Quarter C of 2024 i.e. July, August and September
be resident in Jersey and have a Jersey or other accepted UK bank account in their own name.

The scheme acknowledges that, while low-income individuals who have lived in Jersey for more than five years are eligible for Income Support and the Community Cost Bonus to help with their living costs, this support is not available to those that have been in Jersey for less than five years.

Minister for Social Security, Deputy Lyndsay Feltham, said: “The transition towards a living wage is an important priority of this Government. By 2026 we aim to reach a minimum wage based on two-thirds of the median wage and we are providing some temporary support measures to these employees during that time.

“I also recognise the impact the current cost of living is having on lower-income workers not entitled to Income Support. These Islanders provide valuable services across a range of sectors and make a significant contribution to the Island.

“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."