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KINGSTON — Occupational Health and Safety legislation, to protect the welfare of Jamaican employees in the workplace, is expected to come on stream shortly, says Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles. "It will carry heavy sanctions for both workers and management who refuse to abide by the rules and standards laid out in these laws,” he said,...

KINGSTON — The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has placed 11,147 Jamaican workers in overseas jobs since the start of the year. Providing a breakdown of the figures, Portfolio Minister, Hon. Pearnel Charles, said that 3,500 persons were placed in the US farm work programme; 1,024 in the US hospitality work programme; 6,380 in the Canadian farm work programme;...

KINGSTON — Director General in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Faith Innerarity, has informed that the selection process for prospective Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH) beneficiaries is currently being reviewed, to ensure that the neediest in the society are assisted. “PATH is continuously being reviewed, the programme is being re-evaluated. For persons who have applied...

KINGSTON — Faced with the reality that Jamaica's ageing population, with some 280,000 Jamaicans now 60 years and over, the Government is intensifying efforts to ensure their active participation in society, as they search for opportunities to be more resourceful in a dynamic and changing world.   This message from Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles, was...

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...