| Abstrakt: |
On June 1, 2024, the minimum wage in Jamaica will be raised to J$15,000 for a 40-hour work week. Whether this wage is enough depends on what can be purchased with it given the prevailing prices of necessities. But do the recent increases in minimum wage match the inflation trends in Jamaica and how much of the gap is closed? In 2018 a nutrient cost analysis in Jamaica showed that 48% of the minimum wage is required to obtain a healthy diet for one individual. This analysis shows the vulnerability of many families particularly those who have little support from the state or relatives at home or abroad. No doubt, increasing the minimum wage to J$15,000 will allow low-income families to make better and healthier food choices if they use the additional cash for that purpose. A similar analysis to 2018 needs to be done in 2024 to determine how much of the gap remains. When food budgets are small it is possible to spend less and eat more, especially if the extra energy comes from added sugar and added fat. Improving the purchasing power of minimum wage earners to spend more on healthier food could lead to a liveable minimum wage in Jamaica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
