The national minimum wage in Barbados has officially been increased.

Labour Minister Colin Jordan said Cabinet confirmed as of June 1st, the wage raised from $8.50 per hour to $10.50 an hour.

For security guards the hourly rate will be increased from $9.25 to $11.43 and the overtime rate and the double time rate follows from the $10.50, and the $11.43.

The Minister said the Government was conscious that Barbadian workers have been “holding strain” from higher prices over the last three years in particular.

He also appealed to employers not to undermine the increase by reducing employee work hours.