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 recently shuttered Whole Hearted Company Services Limited auto repair shop, in Ferry Pen at the St. Andrew and St. Catherine border, will be allowed to resume its operations once it has met all the legal requirements. That assurance was given by Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., as he responded to questions on the status...

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., on May 13, announced the creation of a National Skills Bank (NSB), an all-encompassing database designed to identify labour shortages and mismatched skillset allocation. “It will effectively guide and redirect workforce planning, forecast future demand for skills and lead the way in creating an upskilling and cross-skilling culture,” Mr. Charles...

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,...