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KINGSTON — Labour and Social Security Minister, Hon. Pearnel Charles, has urged employers and employees to adhere to the provisions of the Labour Code, as outlined under the Labour Relations and Industrial Disputes Act (LRIDA), particularly in relation to disputes. Speaking at a recent labour relations and industrial disputes seminar, hosted by the law firm, DunnCox, at the Knutsford Court...

KINGSTON — The Government is moving to expand the categories of professionals, who will be able to pursue employment in other Caribbean territories without the need for a work permit. Labour and Social Security Minister, Hon. Pearnel Charles, said that drafting instructions have been issued to the Chief Parliamentary Counsel (CPC) for amendments to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Free Movement...

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security refers to articles in the media regarding the recruitment of Jamaicans for jobs in Canada. The Ministry wishes to advise that exploratory talks have begun regarding employment opportunities for a variety of skills, including pipefitters, welders, cooks, mechanics, drivers, and heavy duty operators. Our Liaison Service in Canada is also having discussions with...

KINGSTON — Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles, has announced that the Tackling Child Labour Through Education (TACKLE) Jamaica project will be spending some $25 million to help build policies and promulgate appropriate legislation to combat the incidence of child labour in Jamaica.  The Minister, who was addressing the TACKLE Jamaica Stakeholders’ Consultation at the Wyndham New...

KINGSTON — Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles, is assuring that issues relating to the United States (US) Overseas Employment Programme should be resolved shortly. Mr. Charles was referring to measures implemented by the US Government in 2009, which prohibit the collection of recruitment fees for job placement for workers with H-2A (agricultural) and H-2B (non-agricultural) visas....

KINGSTON — Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles, says the United States (US) Overseas Employment Programme remains in tact and viable. “Indeed, we have begun to see improvements in the numbers since the recession and the prospects appear favourable,” he said during on August 30 sitting of the House of Representatives held at the Jamaica Conference Centre,...

KINGSTON — It is always heartwarming for parents to watch their children develop, whether their bundle of joy is able-bodied or has special needs. Children with various forms of special needs have been receiving attention through the Government's Early Stimulation Programme (ESP), which seeks to assist disabled children to develop on their weak areas and eventually lead productive lives. Speaking...

KINGSTON — General Secretary, Jamaica Association of Local Government Officers (JALGO), Helene Davis Whyte, says that public sector workers have an important role to play in the development of gender sensitive policies being implemented by Caribbean Governments. "This is something as public sector workers we will have to look at, to ensure that we play our own part in trying...

KINGSTON — The Ministry of Labour and Social Security, through its energy conservation programme, has saved approximately $9 million in its energy bill for its offices during 2010/11. This disclosure was made by Chief Technical Director in the Ministry, Errol Miller, during the Ministry’s Energy Conservation Awards Ceremony, on July 20, 2011 at the Ministry’s North Street office. Individuals and...

KINGSTON — To promote self sufficiency among working-age beneficiaries under its Programme of Advancement Through Heath and Education (PATH), the Government has made $70 million available in grants to assist persons with various micro-business ventures. The grants, which were approved by the Government in January this year, is expected to benefit at least 1,000 clients, with each receiving a maximum...

KINGSTON — Fifty four beneficiaries of the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH) have received $3 million in Government grants, to assist with micro-business ventures. They were handed their cheques at a ceremony at the Knutsford Court Hotel, New Kingston on Wednesday June 22. The funds were provided under the $70 million Entrepreneurship Grant Initiative of PATH’s Steps-to-Work...

KINGSTON — Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles says there will be changes in the methods of  payment to pensioners. He pointed out that some of the options currently being considered include: direct deposits to pensioners’ bank accounts; monthly payments instead of fortnightly payments; and payments with cheques, instead of pension vouchers. Addressing  the House of Representatives...