The Jamaica Productivity Centre (JPC) is pushing for individual Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) to join forces to form an industry that will effectively cater to the needs of a growing clientele. Executive Director of the JPC, Dr. Charles Douglas, told JIS News that while individual companies have been providing energy services across the country, more can be achieved if an...

The Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) is forecasting positive economic growth for 2016, continuing on trends from 2014 and 2015. “We expect another year of positive growth (for) the calendar and fiscal year,” said Deputy Director General of the PIOJ, Richard Lumsden, at a recent labour market forum at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston. He said the growth...

The Government will be acting on a recommendation from the Minimum Wage Commission, to address the issues of some security guards not receiving payslips, and being designated contractors. The contract designation prevents the guards from obtaining certain benefits under labour regulations, and Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Dr. Fenton Ferguson, says it is a matter that will have...

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Dr. Fenton Ferguson, has announced a 10.71 per cent increase in the national minimum wage from $5,600 to $6,200 for a 40-hour workweek. In addition, industrial security guards will receive $8,854 for a 40-hour work- week, up from $8,198, reflecting an eight per cent increase. The new rates take effect on March 1, 2016....

Persons in the western end of the island will later this year have full services of the Industrial Disputes Tribunal (IDT), as the Government will be establishing an office there to arbitrate on labour disagreements. Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Dr. Fenton Ferguson, who made the disclosure, said it is part of several measures to strengthen the IDT...

The Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) is reporting major success in promoting and facilitating investment and employment opportunities for the 2014/15 financial year. Speaking at a JIS Think Tank on January 13, President of JAMPRO, Diane Edwards, said “we have recorded capital expenditure/capital investment of $27.1 billion for JAMPRO-facilitated projects.”“(This) represents a 33 per cent overachievement of our targets for that...

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Dr. Fenton Ferguson, has encouraged participants in the United States Hospitality Employment Programme to go overseas with a positive attitude, thereby ensuring they are consistently showcasing the best of Jamaica. “You all represent brand Jamaica and therefore you have the responsibility to ensure that once you are taken into the programme, that you...

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Dr. Fenton Ferguson, says tougher anti-child labour laws, increased opportunities for schooling and public awareness form part of the answer for the elimination of child labour. “If children can go to school and stay in school, their chances of getting proper jobs to care for their families increase and if there are tough...

Labour and Social Security Minister, Hon. Dr. Fenton Ferguson, has welcomed the opening of the National Insurance Fund (NIF)-owned Meliá Braco Village, expressing confidence that its operation will bring solid returns on the investment by the fund. The Trelawny-based property, being operated by the Meliá Hotels International chain under a 15-year lease agreement with the Government, was officially opened on...