Although the Government has successfully reduced the number of employment agencies operating illegally on the island, the Labour and Social Security Ministry is still urging jobseekers to exercise due diligence to avoid employment scams. The caution was given by Portfolio Minister, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., during a post-sectoral press briefing at the Ministry’s offices, on May 14. He explained that...

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is finalising the full implementation framework for the Solidarity Grant. Portfolio Minister, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., made the disclosure during his 2025/26 Sectoral Debate presentation in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (May 13). Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, recently announced that $1 billion has been allocated to provide a...

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security, through partnership with the World Bank, is completing a comprehensive assessment of the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH). “This includes an analysis of the processes and targeting methodology and a thorough assessment of the automated system we use for beneficiary selection. This assessment is ongoing, and we expect to improve...

Cabinet has approved the introduction of the unemployment insurance benefit, which will be added to the suite of provisions under the National Insurance Scheme (NIS). The new benefit will serve as a guaranteed safety net for all employees who contribute to the NIS, except for self-employed persons. Additionally, work is under way to establish the requisite legal and institutional frameworks...

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is partnering with the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) to conduct a national census to gain accurate data on the population and location of persons with disabilities. Portfolio Minister, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., made the announcement during his contribution to the 2025/26 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (May 13)....

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., has announced an increase in benefits for all National Insurance Scheme (NIS) pensioners. The Minister, in his contribution to the 2025/26 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (May 13), informed that retirement (old age), widows, widowers, invalidity pension will move from $4,200 to $4,620 per week. Pensioners,...

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., is encouraging parents to teach their children about responsible use of social media to better equip them to safely navigate their way through the digital space. Noting that social media has many positives, including providing access to educational resources to enhance learning,  he said that when used  inappropriately “it is...