The planned increase in Antigua and Barbuda’s national minimum wage is expected to affect thousands of workers across several sectors of the economy, government officials said during Thursday’s post-Cabinet media briefing.

Director General of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister, Maurice Merchant, said data reviewed by Cabinet shows that a significant number of workers currently earn between $9 and $12 per hour.

“Currently, persons who earn between $9 to $12, there are about 7,264 persons who fall in that category,” Merchant said.

He noted that the country’s workforce includes about 45,053 workers overall.

“Keeping in mind that, based upon Social Security records, there are some 45,053 persons who make up the workforce in Antigua and Barbuda,” Merchant said.

Merchant said employees in several sectors could benefit from the increase.

“You think about the gas station attendants, persons on the government’s drug program, persons who assist persons crossing guards and so forth, and security workers also,” he said.

He also noted that workers in the hospitality sector will be affected.

“In terms of persons within the hospitality industry, the records show that persons who earn between $9 and $12, it’s about 740 individuals in that sector,” Merchant said.

Cabinet has accepted a recommendation to increase the minimum wage to $13 per hour, with the adjustment expected to be implemented gradually over a three-year period.