News Categories: Media Release

Public Relations Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

Mayne wants Jobseekers to Up-Skill Themselves To Re-Enter Labour Market

State Minister in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Zavia Mayne, says workers and jobseekers should re-skill and up-skill themselves in order to re-enter the Labour Market.

“Workers need to seek out new skills and opportunities in order to add value to businesses, as this is critical for many unemployed and displaced workers to successfully re-enter the competitive Labour Market,” Mayne said.

According to Minister Mayne, despite the rise in unemployment in Jamaica as a result of the COVID-19, the pandemic has increased the demand for other occupations.

“COVID-19, has created a demand for persons in other industries such as Health and Wellness, Information Technology and Cyber Security. We have seen an increase demand for Doctors, Nurses, Pharmacists, Respiratory Therapists and Chiropractors,” he said.

Minister Mayne also pointed out that remote work has contributed to growth in the Information Technology sector. He explained that there has been a growing demand for Software Developers, Programmers and Software and Hardware Engineers.

He was speaking at the Inter-American Development Bank Regional Policy Dialogue under the theme, Rethink, Reset and Recover Employment with a Gender Perceptive on Tuesday, November 17. According to data released by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN), unemployment rate stood at 12.6 per cent in July 2020. This was 4.8 percentage point higher than the 7.8 per cent recorded for same quarter in 2019.

The Ministry’s Electronic Labour Exchange (ELE) Department, has been conducting virtual training of jobseekers to ensure that they are job ready.

Contact: V George Palmer, Dir. Public Relations & Communications (876) 820-5373 or (876) 967-5484
|Email: vando.palmer@mlss.gov.jm/prunit@mlss.gov.jm
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Public Relations Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

Ministry of Labour & Social Security Warns Job Seekers About Rogue Employment Agencies

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is advising the public that unscrupulous companies have been using the internet and electronic means to lure persons into employment scams. Some of these companies make promises of high paying online jobs that in many instances are false.

Job seekers are therefore being encouraged to do their research on these companies to verify their legitimacy before paying over monies.

Persons are also encouraged to visit the Ministry’s website at www.mlss.gov.jm for information on registered Employment Agencies in Jamaica

Contact: V George Palmer, Dir. Public Relations & Communications (876) 820-5373 or (876) 967-5484
|Email: vando.palmer@mlss.gov.jm/prunit@mlss.gov.jm
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Public Relations Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

PATH Gets Big Boost From UNICEF

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has received $40m from UNICEF Jamaica to help some of Jamaica’s most vulnerable households cope with the crippling impact of COVID-19.

The funding will cover cash transfer payments via the Programme of Advancement through Health and Education (PATH). Approximately 2,700 families with children with disabilities, as well as pregnant and lactating women are to benefit from this donation.

This financial boost is part of a partnership agreement forged between the MLSS and UNICEF, to support socio-economic needs and strengthen shock responsive social protection strategies for households struggling with the economic fallout from COVID-19.

UNICEF and the MLSS on Wednesday, October 28 signed an extension of that agreement, to continue the partnership until the end of 2020. Under the agreement, 1,000 families with disabilities who are registered with the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD), PATH and the Early Stimulation Programme (ESP) are to receive Care Packages.

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Karl Samuda welcomed the grant and continued partnership with UNICEF Jamaica. “This grant could not have come at a better time. It will be used to provide additional support to some of the most vulnerable Jamaicans who have been facing hardships as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Minister Samuda.

On the other hand, Mariko Kagoshima, UNICEF Jamaica Country Representative said, the COVID-19 crisis is having a devastating effect on many Jamaican families who were already facing economic hardships. “UNICEF’s collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, will help these families with additional resources to better provide for their children in the extremely challenging economic situation they are currently experiencing,” Mrs. Mariko Kagoshima said.

UNICEF’s support to the MLSS is made possible through funding provided by the United Nations (UN) COVID-19 Response and Recovery Multi-Partner Trust Fund.

This UN inter-agency finance mechanism was created to support low- and middle- income programme countries in overcoming the health and development crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

 Minister of Labour & Social Security, Hon. Karl Samuda, (right) and Mrs. Mariko Kagoshima, UNICEF Jamaica Country Representative (left) sign $40m grant funding partnership agreement to boost PATH Programme.

Contact: V George Palmer, Dir. Public Relations & Communications (876) 820-5373 or (876) 967-5484
|Email: vando.palmer@mlss.gov.jm/prunit@mlss.gov.jm
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Public Relations Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

Greater Recognition Coming for Household Workers

Labour and Social Security Minister, Karl Samuda on Wednesday, took another step to formalize the services of Domestic Workers. This as he signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Labour Market Information System (LMIS) of the Ministry and the Jamaica Household Workers Union which represents Household Workers.

Minister Karl Samuda is calling on household workers to make use of the training now available through the collaboration between the Union and his Ministry.

“I am encouraging our household workers to utilize the opportunities available through the Jamaica Household Workers Union (JHWU) and the HEART Trust/National Service Training Agency to upgrade their skills and obtain the relevant certification,” Mr. Samuda said.

According to Minister Samuda, they should also seek to train and qualify themselves to use and interact with the technology being provided, as this will not only allow them to excel at their craft, but will also increase their bargaining power in the labour market.

Minister Samuda was speaking at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Ministry’s Labour Market Information System (LMIS) and JHWU at the Ministry’s North Street office in Kingston on Wednesday, October 14.

The objective of this joint partnership is to improve access to the database and the services offered by LMIS to members of the JHWU, as well as to establish a higher degree of formality within the Household Workers Sector.

Under the MOU, LMIS will provide training to Jamaica Household Workers’ Union’s members on how to use their system, in addition to finding suitable candidates for vacancies posted by employers.

On the other hand, JHWU will assist with promoting the LMIS and help find suitable candidates for vacancies received or posted on the LMIS.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Colette Roberts Risden welcomed the move and praised the JHWU for continuously advocating on behalf of one of the most vulnerable and unrecognized group of workers.

“This is a very timely initiative for the tripartite partnership as it has brought all parties together and it is my hope that this is the beginning of many more partnerships to come,” Roberts Risden noted.

 Hon. Karl Samuda, Minister of Labour & Social Security (1st right) and Miss Maureen Smith, Executive Member of the Union (center) shows off signed Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry and the Jamaica Household Workers’ Union, as Hon. Zavia Mayne, State Minister in the Ministry, (2nd right), Colette Roberts Risden, Permanent Secretary (1st left) and Miss Joyce Hewitt, Board Chair of the Union (2nd left) look on.

Contact: V George Palmer, Dir. Public Relations & Communications (876) 820-5373 or (876) 967-5484
|Email: vando.palmer@mlss.gov.jm/prunit@mlss.gov.jm
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Public Relations Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Friday, October 2, 2020

Beware, it is another social media hoax

It has been brought to the Ministry of Labour & Social Security’s attention that information has been widely circulating on Social Media that the Ministry is seeking individuals for employment as Sanitization and Bearer and that training will begin on Monday, October 5, 2020.

The Ministry is advising the public that this is another employment hoax.

The Ministry is again reminding employers and job seekers that the Labour Market Information System, currently hosted by the Ministry continues to provide a platform for employers to post their vacancies and job seekers to post their resumes so that both parties are aware of opportunities as well as the availability of skill sets.

Job seekers are encouraged to download the LMIS mobile app from the Google Play store or visit the website at www.lmis.gov.jm for possible employment opportunities.

Remember, for further information please contact the Electronic Labour Exchange at 876-948-7041, 876-922-0366 or 876-948-8708.

Contact: V George Palmer, Dir. Public Relations & Communications (876) 820-5373 or (876) 967-5484
|Email: vando.palmer@mlss.gov.jm/prunit@mlss.gov.jm
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Public Relations Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

New Head of IDT Appointed

Veteran public servant, Errol Miller, has been appointed the new Chairman of the Industrial Disputes Tribunal. His appointment took effect on Tuesday, September 1, 2020.

Mr. Miller, who was a career civil servant, comes to the post with over forty (40) years of experience in the public sector. His career has moved along a continuum from Clerical Officer at the Ministry of Health in 1972 to that of Chief Technical Director, Labour Division, Ministry of Labour and Social Security from October 2009 to January 18, 2016.

Errol Miller has had many merited encomiums, chief among them the establishment and leadership of The Pre- Conciliation Unit at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security in 1996.

Meanwhile, Labour and Social Security Minister, Lester ‘Mike’ Henry, has welcomed the elevation of Mr. Miller as a clear example of upward social mobility. Minister Henry said that this climb to the pinnacle of his career, speaks volumes for Miller’s dedication and commitment to the people of Jamaica, but more so the workers, whose interests and well-being underpin his indefatigable service.

According to Ministry Henry, Miller’s eminence in the field of Industrial Relations and contribution to the tenets of the International Labour Organization (ILO) on the international scene have prepared him well for his new position as Chairman of the IDT.

Contact: V George Palmer, Dir. Public Relations & Communications (876) 820-5373 or (876) 967-5484
|Email: vando.palmer@mlss.gov.jm/prunit@mlss.gov.jm
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Public Relations Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

No Such Requirements Under the Labour Laws

It has been brought to the attention of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, that a number of employers have mandated that workers who are engaged and contracted to serve as Election Day Workers by the Electoral Office of Jamaica, in the upcoming General Elections on Thursday, September 3, 2020, are required to self- quarantine for a minimum of 14 days prior to resuming their normal employment.

It is further understood that these workers are being instructed and required to utilize their vacation and sick leave entitlements to offset the period of quarantine.

The Ministry is therefore making it abundantly clear that there is no such requirement under the Labour Laws or any other law. Employers are encouraged to be guided by the Holidays with Pay Act and Gazette notices that are published under the Disaster Risk Management Act.

While we are quite cognizant of the dangers of the Covid19 and the increased number of cases island-wide, we must never-the-less be protective of our country’s labour-force and ensure the fair application of Labour Legislations in order to prevent breaches that maybe intentional or out of ignorance.

Contact: V George Palmer, Dir. Public Relations & Communications (876) 820-5373 or (876) 967-5484
|Email: vando.palmer@mlss.gov.jm/prunit@mlss.gov.jm
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Public Relations Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

Industrial Peace Needed Now More Than Ever -Henry

The Minister of Labour and Social Security, Lester ‘Mike’ Henry, is calling on employers and workers to use the services of the Labour Department within the ministry, to help develop policies that will result in the preservation of industrial calm and amicable agreements. Minister Henry said, in these economically challenging times due to the debilitating effects of the Covid19 pandemic, there is need for industrial peace and harmony now more than ever.

Speaking in Sectoral Debate in Parliament on Tuesday, Minister Henry said while the government continues to find innovative and creative ways to mitigate the socioeconomic impact of the pandemic, a broader look at labour laws is now required.

According to Minister Henry, several issues due to Covid19, which were not fully or adequately addressed under our Labour Laws such as quarantine, extended absence from work and extended absence due to community lockdowns, were interrogated. He said that the Ministry will continue its social and tripartite dialogue in order to strengthen Jamaica’s labour legislations, using the many lessons learnt during the pandemic.

He said while his Ministry’s priority is providing a social safety net for the most vulnerable, he has great appreciation for those who continue to play their role in ensuring the country remains vibrant and viable.

In a direct quote the Minister said, “I applaud our employers and workers who have displayed the resilience, flexibility and tenacity necessary for the sustainable recovery of the labour market and Jamaica’s economy. It is unthinkable where we would be presently in the face of this disaster without their efforts and sacrifice”, end quote.

Contact: V George Palmer, Dir. Public Relations & Communications (876) 820-5373 or (876) 967-5484
|Email: vando.palmer@mlss.gov.jm/prunit@mlss.gov.jm
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