The minimum wage will go up from 17.50 to 20.50.
This adjustment will take effect from January 1st next year.
The Opposition and trade unions were advocating for an increase to $30 an hour, but business chambers called on Government to do a balancing act so those earning minimum wages would not be the first to be fired.
Imbert said, “This measure will benefit approximately 190,000 persons in the workforce and will require an amendment to the Minimum Wages Act, Chapter 88:04 via a minimum wage order.”
He said it should be noted this pay rise will increase government expenditure by at least $50 million per year.
“For those who currently work a 12-hour shift at the minimum wage for a six-day week, like some security guards, this will increase their monthly take-home pay by over $900 per month,” Imbert said.