Parliament has affirmed the increase in the minimum wage to $17,000 per week, effective July 1.

The increase had been announced by Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness in March, then in June, the orders were laid on the table in the Lower House, and yesterday, Labour Minister Pearnel Charles Jr formally submitted the orders for deliberation and affirmation.

Charles Jr explained that the basic hourly pay rate will increase from $400 to $425.

The rate increase also applies to industrial security guards.