A total of 14,932 persons are currently registered on the Social Pension Programme, which recorded more than $408 million in benefits paid out during fiscal year 2023/24. Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., made the disclosure during his contribution to the 2024/25 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Wednesday (May 29). He advised that...

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has introduced a pilot programme for the employment of capable persons with disabilities in the Overseas Employment Programme. This initiative involves partnering with the Abilities Foundation, engaging overseas employers, and establishing a support system to assist workers with disabilities during their employment. “For the first time, we have a batch of three farmers...

More than 1,300 Jamaicans benefited under the Government’s Social Intervention Programme in 2023. They included 423 youth who received education grants totalling approximately $50.9 million and another 367 who were placed in on-the-job training. Additionally, 534 members of Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH) households received entrepreneurial grants totalling $87.1 million. This was disclosed by Minister of Labour...

More than 6,000 persons with disabilities benefited from training, assistive devices, and economic empowerment grants, during Financial Year 2023/24. This was disclosed by Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., during his contribution to the 2024/25 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives, on Wednesday (May 29). Mr. Charles Jr. said the assistance was provided through a...

Jamaica is moving ahead with the establishment of the country’s first unemployment insurance scheme. Details of the proposed model, governance, management, and investment strategy will be submitted to Cabinet for approval in the current financial year, said Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr. He was making his contribution to the 2024/25 Sectoral Debate in the House...

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., says a US$20-million investment will be made to expand coverage of social protection programmes and enhance their effectiveness. He made the announcement in his contribution to the 2024/25 Sectoral debate in the House of Representatives on Wednesday (May 29). The Minister said that several initiatives will be undertaken through the...

The Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU) is calling for more inclusive work environments where persons with various skills and abilities, including the disabled community, can contribute. President of the JCTU, St Patrice Ennis, who made the call while addressing the recent Workers’ Week 2024 Expo at Emancipation Park in St. Andrew, said that creating inclusive spaces is a moral...