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A Steering Committee has been established to examine the feasibility of introducing unemployment insurance. The Committee has been formed following the positive outcomes achieved at a major joint labour market forum, hosted by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, in partnership with the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ). Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Derrick Kellier, made the...

The Minimum Wage Advisory Commission has been asked to conduct the necessary consultations and make recommendations for change, where possible, in the national minimum wage. This was announced by Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Derrick Kellier, during his contribution to the 2013/14 Sectoral Debate on Tuesday, June 4, in the House of Representatives. Mr. Kellier reaffirmed the Government’s...

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is currently exploring the possibility of implementing a tiered work permit fee structure, in a bid to streamline the issuance process. Making the disclosure during his contribution to the 2013/14 Sectoral Debate in the House on June 4, Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Derrick Kellier, said the proposed structure, along with...

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Derrick Kellier, says every effort will now be made to ensure that Flexible Work Arrangements become a reality in the country. He informed that a Ministry Paper will be tabled shortly and drafting instructions issued to the Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel, to facilitate the requisite legislative amendments. Mr. Kellier was making...

A total of 11,138 Jamaicans benefitted from job opportunities under the Overseas Employment Programme during 2012/2013. This was disclosed by Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Derrick Kellier, during his contribution to the 2013/14 Sectoral Debate in the House, on June 4. [RELATED: Industrial Relations Landscape Remains Stable] Of the number, some 3,269 workers were placed in the United...

A Ministry of Labour and Social Security-led project, under the Jamaica Emergency Employment Programme (JEEP), is be piloted in two communities at a cost of US$1.2 million. Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Derrick Kellier, explains that the objective of the Project is to demonstrate and develop a model for rural road construction and maintenance, and erosion control. [RELATED:...

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Derrick Kellier, says the industrial relations landscape remains stable, despite an increase in the number of disputes reported. This, he says, has been due to the Ministry’s ability to adequately address and resolve the issues. “Despite some increase in the number of reported cases, I am happy to report that the Ministry has...

The Government will continue to ensure the viability of the National Insurance Fund (NIF), by focusing on development projects, which are consistent with its growth strategy. Some of these investments include: Development of several National Insurance Scheme (NIS) properties across the island; a US$15 million development of Braco Resorts, as part of the continued thrust in the tourism sector; and...

Mr. Speaker, I am honoured once again to stand in this Honourable House to report on the performance of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security over the last financial year and our plans for the next year. I want to thank the Most Honourable Prime Minister for the tremendous support she continues to give to the labour agenda and...

The Kingston-based Uniform Centre is reporting an increase in efficiencies and productivity as a result of interventions received through the Jamaica Productivity Centre (JPC) in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. Managing Director, Gregory Khan, tells JIS News that output has grown by 38 per cent since the company began implementing recommendations made by the JPC. He says the...

The Abilities Foundation, a division of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, has expanded its curriculum to better cater to the needs of persons with disabilities. In addition to garment construction, furniture making, office administration, housekeeping, ornamental horticulture, and landscaping, the facility now offers courses in design and décor, computer repair, data operation, and crop production. Managing Director at...

Immediate Past President of the Jamaica Employers’ Federation (JEF), Wayne Chen, has urged employers to capitalise on appropriate technology and put in place good business management structures to boost productivity. Mr. Chen was speaking at a recent JIS Think Tank to mark Workers’ Week. His comments come against the background of new measures that Government plans to implement, which are...