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Director of Social Security in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Suzette Morris, speaks with JIS News at the first Solidarity Live Community Engagement session at the Port Maria Anglican Church Hall in St. Mary, on August 21.
Director of Social Security in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Suzette Morris, speaks with JIS News at the first Solidarity Live Community Engagement session at the Port Maria Anglican Church Hall in St. Mary, on August 21.

Solidarity Programme Targets Thousands of Jamaicans for Social Protection

The Government’s Solidarity Programme, which is targeting 50,000 vulnerable Jamaicans for a cash grant of $20,000, is being used to bring these persons inside the safety net of social protection. Speaking with JIS News during the first Solidarity Live Community...
Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., addresses a recent productivity forum at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel in St. Andrew. The event, hosted by the Jamaica Productivity Centre (JPC), marked the official launch of three tailored productivity toolkits designed to empower students, businesses, and government services to assess and improve productivity in a measurable and user-friendly way.
Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., addresses a recent productivity forum at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel in St. Andrew. The event, hosted by the Jamaica Productivity Centre (JPC), marked the official launch of three tailored productivity toolkits designed to empower students, businesses, and government services to assess and improve productivity in a measurable and user-friendly way.

Labour Minister Says Bridging Productivity Gap is Key to Safeguarding Jamaica’s Future
Work under way at a construction site.
Work under way at a construction site.

1,232 Jobseekers Placed Through Labour Ministry’s Electronic Labour Exchange in 2024
Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr.
Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr.

Disbursement Soon Under Solidarity Programme
Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr (right), engages with residents of Cheshire Village, during a visit to the community for disabled persons in St. Andrew last December to hand over care packages. Looking on is State Minister, Dr. the Hon. Norman Dunn.
Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr (right), engages with residents of Cheshire Village, during a visit to the community for disabled persons in St. Andrew last December to hand over care packages. Looking on is State Minister, Dr. the Hon. Norman Dunn.

Reduction in Discrimination Complaints to JCPD

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LabourSocial Security

13.3 Per Cent Increase in Work Permit Applications Last Year

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security received 5,651 work permit applications in 2024, an increase of 13.3 per cent compared with 2023. Of the applications received, 3,080 were for renewal and 2,571 were for new permits. The information is contained in the Economic and Social Survey Jamaica (ESSJ), 2024, an annual publication of the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ)....
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Jamaica 4-H Clubs Executive Director, Peter Thompson.
Foreign AffairsLabourSkills

Jamaica 4-h Clubs to Partner With Labour Ministry to Train Persons for Overseas Programme

The Jamaica 4-H Clubs is looking to partner with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security to train persons to go on the overseas employment programme. Executive Director of the Jamaica 4-H Clubs, Peter Thompson, made the disclosure during an interview with JIS News, recently. “We recognise that many of the guys who apply for the overseas programme, they don’t...
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Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr.
LabourSocial Security

Ministry Launches App to Assist Persons with Disabilities

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., says the launch of Jamaica’s revolutionary ‘I AM ABLE’ mobile application is a “game changer” for persons with disabilities across the island. Speaking at the official unveiling at Turtle River Park in Ocho Rios on July 29, the Minister said that the new digital platform represents a significant step forward...
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Chair of the Sexual Harassment Tribunal, Justice Ferdinand Smith (Retired), delivers remarks during the Sexual Harassment Tribunal Swearing-in Ceremony and Designation of Authorised Officers, held on Thursday (July 17), at the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, in New Kingston. Eighteen Authorised Officers have been officially appointed to enforce provisions of the Sexual Harassment (Protection and Prevention) Act, 2021, while 14 Tribunal members were sworn in to adjudicate cases under the legislation islandwide.
Labour

Bureau Of Gender Affairs Reviews More Than 80 Workplace Policies

As Jamaica strengthens the enforcement of its Sexual Harassment (Protection and Prevention) Act, the Bureau of Gender Affairs (BGA) has already reviewed more than 80 workplace policies. The Bureau has also provided technical support to both public and private-sector entities to ensure compliance and create safer spaces for all. This was noted by Principal Director at the BGA, Sharon Coburn...
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Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr. (seventh right), joins award recipients at the Industrial Disputes Tribunal’s (IDT) 50th Anniversary Luncheon and Awards Ceremony held on July 11 at the Courtleigh Hotel and Suites in New Kingston. Also sharing the moment are Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dione Jennings (seventh left), and former Labour Minister, Pearnel Charles Sr. (eighth left).
LabourSocial Security

Gov’t Aligning Labour with Global Trends While Safeguarding Rights – Minister Charles Jr.

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., has emphasised the Government’s commitment to aligning labour practices with global trends while safeguarding rights. The Minister was addressing the recent Industrial Disputes Tribunal (IDT) 50th Anniversary Luncheon and Awards Ceremony at the Courtleigh Hotel and Suites in New Kingston, where he highlighted the need for strategic transformation to ensure...
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Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Dione Jennings and Chairman of the Industrial Disputes Tribunal (IDT), Errol Miller (left), present an award to former Labour Minister, Pearnel Charles Sr., in recognition of his pivotal role in the 2010 amendment of the Labour Relations and Industrial Disputes Act (LRIDA). The presentation was made during the IDT’s 50th Anniversary Luncheon and Awards Ceremony held on Friday (July 11), at the Courtleigh Hotel and Suites in New Kingston.
Labour

Minister Charles Jr. Hails IDT for 50 Years of Promoting Industrial Harmony

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr, has hailed the Industrial Disputes Tribunal (IDT) as a vital institution in promoting industrial harmony and resolving workplace disputes.  He noted that over its 50-year history, “the IDT has functioned as a pillar of industrial democracy, standing tall through political transitions, something which Jamaica can be proud of.”   “The tribunal...
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