Some employers unaware of planned minimum wage increase

The proposed increase of the national minimum wage announced yesterday seems to have caught some employers by surprise.

When contacted by this newspaper, many indicated that they needed to discuss the matter with their teams before they could comment on its impact.

The minimum wage was last increased in June. Yesterday, the Barbados Government Information Service sent out a public announcement indicating that the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector had advised that it “intends to increase both the national minimum wage and the sectoral minimum wage for security guards by two per cent, effective January 21, 2026, under the Minimum Wage Act, 2017-4.”

The current national minimum wage of $10.50 will increase to $10.71 per hour, while the wage for security guards will move from $11.43 to $11.66.

The ministry further informed that the draft Minimum Wage (National and Sectoral Minimum Wage) Order could be accessed on the ministry’s website, as well as the Barbados Government Information Service’s website. It advised that members of the public who wished to submit objections had until January 18, 2026, to do so, adding that each objection must include the grounds for objection, the objector’s interest in the matter and any recommended additions or amendments.”

When contacted, a manager at one of the security companies said: “We just found out, really, just a couple of hours ago. I shared with the team that this is what we discovered. I saw it on a website. Internally, we’re going to have to sit down and have an assessment and see how this is going to impact us again. That is something that the entire management team is going to have to look at.”

He added: “We have to assess what the impact will be on our operations, in terms of customers or clients. That’s a discussion, so I think it is early days yet before we can make an assessment as to how this is going to impact us.”

Prominent businessman and supermarket owner, Andrew Bynoe, also indicated that he could not comment on the increase at this time.

“I won’t comment on this case because I need to discuss it fully in terms of what impact it would have. Also, from a Chamber’s point of view, I would speak with (the Chamber of Commerce) to see what is the overall feeling within the Chamber.”

Asked if he was aware that there was going to be a second increase six months later, Bynoe said: “Frankly, I didn’t know.”

Paul Inniss, president of the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) confirmed they were made aware of the increases.

“I have not received any concerns but that is not to say there are none. I would have to consult with the membership to get their views before I respond to your questions,” was his response when reached.

Similarly, Tisha Peters, president of the Human Resources Management Association of Barbados (HRMAB) indicated that they would be issuing a statement on the matter later this week.

The DAILY NATION also reached out to the Barbados Employers Confederation, but up to press time, no responses were forthcoming.

Back in May, Sheena Mayers-Granville, executive director of the BEC, had expressed concern about the time allocated for companies to adjust to the increase.

“We have consistently said that employers need adequate notice of changes to the minimum wage. We have to consider the fact that businesses do budgeting, forecasting they engage in, contract negotiation and therefore telling anyone that your rates are going to change in the next two, three or four weeks . . . we don’t think that is adequate notice,” she said at the time. (MB)

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