A total of 15,169 Jamaican workers were dispatched to Canada and the United States in 2025 under the Overseas Employment Programme. This was disclosed by Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., during his 2026/27 Sectoral Debate presentation in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (May 19). “This is an increase of 944 over the previous year…...

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security wishes to advise the public that, by virtue of section 2 of the Holidays (Public General) Act and Paragraph 4 of the Schedule thereto, National Labour Day 2026, which falls on Saturday, May 23, 2026, will be observed on Monday, May 25, 2026. Accordingly, Monday, May 25, 2026, shall be observed as National...

Jamaicans are invited to unite in celebration following Labour Day community activities, by attending the annual National Labour Day Praise and Worship Concert at Emancipation Park in Kingston. Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange, said the concert will bring the nation together in thanksgiving and celebration at the end of the day’s activities on Monday (May...

In the 2025 calendar year, the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) recorded contributions totalling $44.8 billion. Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., made the disclosure during his 2026/27 Sectoral Debate presentation in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (May 19). “In addition, the National Insurance Fund stands at $262.8 Billion in net assets at the end of...

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security and the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel (OPC) have finalised a settled draft of the Occupational Safety and Health legislation. This was disclosed by Portfolio Minister, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., who further advised that consultations with the relevant ministries, departments, and agencies are nearing completion. Throughout 2025, the Ministry, in close collaboration with...

Seven new scholarships designed to strengthen human capital development and honour the legacy of the country’s most recent Ministers of Labour and Social Security, will be introduced as part of the restructured Social Intervention Programme. Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., made the announcement during his contribution to the 2026/27 Sectoral Debate in the House of...

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is advancing a comprehensive Future of Work Agenda built on four major pillars. These include modernising labour policy for the digital economy, establishing fair and flexible standards for remote work, expanding inclusion for digital and non-traditional workers, and preparing Jamaicans for AI-driven and technology-enabled industries. Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel...