The National Minimum Wage has been increased.

Labour Minister Karl Samuda announced this morning (February 22) that the Cabinet approved a 28. 5% increase as of April 1.

It moves from $7000 to $9000 for a forty-hour work week.

Mr. Samuda also announced increases for security guards.

The Minister outlined other benefits that will be increased for security guards.

There have been calls for an increase in the National Minimum Wage.

Mr Samuda explained that following a wide consultation process, the National Minimum Wage Advisory Commission submitted its report in 2020.

However, at the time, thousands of jobs were being lost because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said the Government wanted to get the labour market back on stream.