News Categories: Media Release

Communication Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Friday, May 19, 2023

National Council for Senior Citizens Celebrates Centenarian Day 2023

Jamaica celebrates Centenarians Day on May 20, 2023. The National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC), a department within the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS), honoured eight outstanding senior citizens, aged 100 years and older across Kingston and St Andrew in observance of Centenarians’ Day 2023. This is largely influenced by the Ministry acknowledging the profound impact of these citizens’ contributions to nation-building.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Colette Roberts Risden, expressed her profound respect for the centenarians “We are proud to honour our centenarians. Their tenacity, intelligence, and untiring spirit set an example for future generations. We express our sincerest appreciation for their service to our country and recognize their lasting contribution to shaping Jamaica.”

Centenarians Day 2023 serves as a reminder of the work and legacy of Jamaica’s senior citizens, and the National Council for Senior Citizens remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for the well-being and rights of senior citizens.

Executive Director of the National Council for Senior Citizens, Cassandra Morrison, commented on the event: “Centenarian Day is a joyous occasion that allows us to honour the longevity and wisdom of our cherished senior citizens. We are grateful to meet with them and hear and learn from their stories. Our partnership with the Jamaica Memory Bank documents their experiences.

Echoing the same sentiments, Chairman of the NCSC, Grace-Ann Scarlett Duncan said, “Our centenarians represent a wealth of knowledge and experience that is invaluable to our country. We are proud to acknowledge and honour their remarkable lives, and we will continue our efforts to provide them with the care, respect, and support they deserve.”

Centenarian Day is a welcomed yearly tradition that stands as a most memorable one. This year, reigning Jamaica Festival Queen, Velonique Bowen patronized the centenarians and calls for young people to engage with seniors for a better society. The experiences and significant contributions of Jamaica’s centenarians color our rich history and offer invaluable gems of wisdom for the younger generations.

Contact: MLSS Communication Unit (876) 967-5484
|Email: prunit@mlss.gov.jm
Like and follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mlssjamaica/?ref=bookmarks; Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamaicaMlss and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlssjamaica Visit our website: www.mlss.gov.jm for more.

Communication Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Friday, May 19, 2023

Increases to National Insurance Scheme (NIS) Invalidity and Widows and Widowers Pensions

Further to our earlier advisory, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security is advising members of the public that along with the Retirement Pension benefits, the Invalidity and the Widows and Widowers Pensions under the National Insurance Scheme have also been increased, with effect from April 1, 2023. The increases range from 23% to 76%.

The benefit for persons in receipt of Full-rate pensions has been increased by 23%, moving from $3,400 to $4,200 per week.

For persons receiving three-Quarter-rate pensions, the benefit has been increased by 37%, and move from $2,550 per week to $3,500 per week.

Pensioners receiving half-rate pensions will see an increase of 76%, moving from $1,700 per week to $3,000 per week.

Payment of the new rates will be delivered on a phased basis, starting in June 2023.

Pensioners who receive their payment by direct deposits will receive their payments of the new rates mid-June. Payment of arrears will be made at the end of June.

Pensioners who are paid by Pension Order Books, will receive the new rates when their new Pension Order Books are due beginning in July. That is, pensioners who are due new books in July 2023 will see the new rates reflected. The first Pension Order Voucher in the new book will reflect the arrears.

Similarly, pensioners whose new Pension Order Books are due in August, will be paid the new rate, with the arrears reflecting on the first Pension Order Voucher in the new books.

Contact: MLSS Communication Unit (876) 967-5484
|Email: prunit@mlss.gov.jm
Like and follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mlssjamaica/?ref=bookmarks; Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamaicaMlss and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlssjamaica Visit our website: www.mlss.gov.jm for more.

Communication Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Increases to National Insurance Scheme Pensions

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is advising members of the public that the Old Age or Retirement Pension benefits under the National Insurance Scheme have been increased, with effect from April 1, 2023. The increases range from 23% to 76%.

Full-rate pensions have been increased by 23%, moving from $3,400 to $4,200 per week.

Three-Quarter-rate pensions have been increased by 37%, and move from $2,550 per week to $3,500 per week.

Pensioners receiving half-rate pensions will see an increase of 76%, moving from $1,700 per week to $3,000 per week.

Payment of the new rates will be delivered on a phased basis, starting in June 2023.

Pensioners who receive their payment by direct deposits will receive their payments of the new rates mid-June. Payment of arrears will be made at the end of June.

Pensioners who are paid by Pension Order Books, will receive the new rates when their new Pension Order Books are due beginning in July. That is, pensioners who are due new books in July 2023 will see the new rates reflected. The first Pension Order Voucher in the new book will reflect the arrears.

Similarly, pensioners whose new Pension Order Books are due in August, will be paid the new rate, with the arrears reflecting on the first Pension Order Voucher in the new books.

Contact: MLSS Communication Unit (876) 967-5484
|Email: prunit@mlss.gov.jm
Like and follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mlssjamaica/?ref=bookmarks; Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamaicaMlss and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlssjamaica Visit our website: www.mlss.gov.jm for more.

Communication Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Friday, May 5, 2023

Increases to National Minimum Wage, and Minimum Wage for Industrial Security Guards

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Karl Samuda, is advising members of the public that effective June 1, 2023, both the National Minimum Wage, and the Minimum Wage for Industrial Security Guards, will be increased.

The National Minimum Wage for workers, including household workers, will be increased to $13,000.00 per 40-hour work week. The rates of increase are as follows: –

· Single time rate will be increased to $325.00 per hour for work done during any period not exceeding 40 hours in any week.

· Time and a half rate will be increased to $487.50 per hour for work done in excess of 40 hours in any week.

· Double time rate will be increased to $650.00 per hour for work done during any period on a rest day or on a Public Holiday.

The Minimum Wage for Industrial Security Guards will be increased to $14,000.00 per 40-hour work week. The rates of increase are as follows: –

· Single time rate will be increased to $350.00 per hour for work done during any period not exceeding 40 hours in any week.

· Time and a half rate will be increased to $525.00 per hour for work done during any period in excess of 40 hours in any week.

· Double time rate will be increased to $700.00 per hour for any period worked on a rest day or Public Holiday.

Rates for the following Allowances will also be increased:

· Laundry Allowance will be increased to $52.38 per hour.

· Firearm Premium Allowance will be increased to $57.15 per hour.

· Dog Holders’ Premium Allowance will be increased to $39.29 per hour.

The Minister is further advising that Life Insurance Coverage with Double Indemnity Protection and Dismemberment Coverage applicable to Industrial Security Guards will be increased to $3,273,000.00.

Contact: MLSS Communication Unit (876) 967-5484
|Email: prunit@mlss.gov.jm
Like and follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mlssjamaica/?ref=bookmarks; Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamaicaMlss and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlssjamaica Visit our website: www.mlss.gov.jm for more.

Communication Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Wednesday, March 15, 2023

Ministry of Labour and Social Security Ramps-Up Measures to Curtail Employment Scams and Illegal Operators of Unlicensed Employment Agencies

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has ramped up its efforts to curtail employment scams and clamp down on illegal operators involved in recruiting persons to work overseas. Since the start of the year, investigations conducted by the Ministry’s Employment Agencies Unit, have identified 12 illegal recruitment activities.

Cease and Desist Orders were issued to the illegal operators. In at least 4 cases, the operators have been ordered to refund fees to their applicants, while two cases have been referred to the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Fraud Squad for prosecution.

The Ministry is again reminding operators that, under the Employment Agencies Act, any entity intending to engage in the recruitment of workers in Jamaica, for local or overseas jobs is required to obtain a licence from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. Each licence is valid for 12 months.

In the wake of a recent upsurge in employment scams, the Ministry has announced that it has adopted a zero-tolerance approach to employment scamming. Individuals or organizations operating without valid licences are urged to immediately cease and desist, and are encouraged to visit the Ministry’s offices to regularize their operations. Recruiters from overseas are encouraged to work with licensed employment agencies. Persons found operating in breach of the law may be fined

One Million dollars ($1,000,000.00) and/or face up to twelve (12) months imprisonment.

In the meantime, the Ministry is renewing its appeal to members of the public to ensure that they are working with licensed operators and to check the authenticity of job offers before paying over monies to recruiters. To confirm the authenticity of any offer for overseas employment or to confirm the list of Employment Agencies which are licensed to operate in Jamaica, contact the Ministry’s Employment Agencies Unit via WhatsApp at 876-553-5457 or visit the Ministry’s Website at www.mlss.gov.jm.

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Contact: MLSS Communication Unit (876) 967-5484
|Email: prunit@mlss.gov.jm
Like and follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mlssjamaica/?ref=bookmarks; Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamaicaMlss and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlssjamaica Visit our website: www.mlss.gov.jm for more

Communication Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Thursday, March 9, 2023

Labour Ministry Calls Emergency Conciliatory Meeting between Ministry of Education & JTA for the resubmission of Normality in Schools across the Island

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has called an emergency conciliatory meeting for Friday, March 10, 2023, commencing at 8:30 am between the Ministry of Education and Youth and the Jamaica Teachers’ Association. The meeting will be held at the North Street Head Office of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

This is in response to a request made this afternoon by the Education Ministry for the intervention of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, based on the apparent industrial action reportedly being taken by teachers in government administered educational institutions island wide.

The teachers, who are represented by the Jamaica Teacher’s Association, have rejected the Government’s latest wage offer.

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Contact: MLSS Communication Unit (876) 967-5484
|Email: prunit@mlss.gov.jm
Like and follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mlssjamaica/?ref=bookmarks; Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamaicaMlss and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlssjamaica Visit our website: www.mlss.gov.jm for more

Communication Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Wednesday, March 8, 2023

Ministry of Labour and Social Security Pays Tribute to the Late Charles Jones, former Chairman of the Industrial Disputes Tribunal

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Charles Jones, former Chairman of the Industrial Disputes Tribunal. Mr. Jones served the Tribunal in both the capacities of Deputy Chairman and Chairman, for a combined period of nearly twelve years, from November 1, 2009, to August 31, 2021, and presided over the settlement of several landmark cases.

Professionally, he was a committed Jamaican – one who dedicated words and actions to the growth, development and prosperity of this beloved country; one who was passionate about the empowerment of Jamaicans. His unwavering commitment to resolving Labour Disputes with impartiality, integrity, and fairness made him a respected and valued member of the Jamaican Labour Relations Landscape.

He played an instrumental role in the establishment of the Western Division of the IDT and served as the first Chairman of the interim panel for that division.

His pursuit of fairness and justice has left an indelible mark on the Industrial Disputes Tribunal. His professionalism, dedication and jovial personality will be remembered and treasured by the team at the IDT and the wider Ministry.

The Ministry of Labour & Social Security and the Industrial Disputes Tribunal extend heartfelt condolences to the widow, family and friends of the late Mr. Charles Jones.

Contact: MLSS Communication Unit (876) 967-5484
|Email: prunit@mlss.gov.jm
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Communication Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Thursday, February 23, 2023

Ministry of Labour and Social Security Advises Caution in Responding to Job Fairs Advertised on Social Media

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is aware that Flyers have been circulating on Social Media, advertising Job Fairs for overseas opportunities. We are also aware of numerous persons have responded to these advertisements, and paid fees, only to realize that the individuals are operating illegally.

Members of the public are being urged to visit the Ministry’s Website at www.mlss.gov.jm to confirm the list of Employment Agencies which are licensed to operate in Jamaica, before engaging with employment offers. Persons may also contact the Ministry’s Employment Agencies Unit at 876-676-5806 or via email at employmentagenciesunit.ja@mlss.gov.jm for information.

The Ministry has established a hotline at 876-553-5457 to facilitate reports via WhatsApp. Persons who believe that they have been fleeced are encouraged to immediately contact the Ministry, and to report the matter to the JCF’s Fraud Squad.

Any individual or entity intending to engage in the recruitment of workers in Jamaica, for placement in jobs, locally or overseas is required, under the Employment Agencies Act, to obtain a Licence from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, which is renewable annually.

Any person found to be operating in breach may be subject to a fine of One Million dollars ($1,000,000.00) and or up to twelve (12) months imprisonment, on conviction.

Individuals or entities operating without valid licences are urged to cease and desist and are strongly advised to immediately pursue steps to regularize their operations, as the Ministry has a zero-tolerance approach to employment scamming and illegal operators.

The head of the US delegation, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Visa Services, Julie Stufft, confirmed that the Overseas Employment Programme and the Jamaican workers were highly valued by the US government, and the participating employers, noting that “Jamaica has a product which everyone wants”. Ms. Stufft assured the Jamaican team that her office would engage the relevant US government departments to explore recommendations for the expansions being sought by Jamaica.

The meeting was held at the Ministry’s North Street office in Kingston.

Contact: MLSS Communication Unit (876) 967-5484
|Email: prunit@mlss.gov.jm
Like and follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mlssjamaica/?ref=bookmarks; Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamaicaMlss and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlssjamaica Visit our website: www.mlss.gov.jm for more

Communication Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Friday, February 3, 2023

Jamaican Government Redoubles Efforts to Increase Overseas Employment Opportunities for Jamaicans

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is redoubling its efforts to increase the share of visas granted to Jamaicans for participation in the Seasonal Agricultural and Hospitality programmes in the United States.

On Wednesday, February 1, Hon. Karl Samuda and a team led by Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Colette Roberts Risden, hosted a meeting with representatives from the Embassy of the United States, to discuss the current visa arrangements under which Jamaicans are able to participate under both components of the programme.

Approximately 5000 Jamaican agricultural workers travel to the US each year to engage in a variety of farming activities including planting and harvesting of fruit and vegetable crops. While placement on the agricultural (H2A) component of the programme is exclusively managed by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, placement on the Hospitality (H2B) component is facilitated both by the Government of Jamaica and private Employment Agencies, licensed to operate by the Ministry. This component has experienced steady growth over the years, with the exception of 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic forced drastic reductions in the hospitality industry. In 2022, approximately 12,000 Jamaicans obtained employment through the H-2B programme.

In recognizing the value of the programme to both the US and Jamaican economies, Minister Samuda said “We want to ensure that Jamaica’s presence in the US benefits both Jamaica and the United States”. He noted that “many Jamaicans have been able to provide opportunities for their children, because of the programme, and many US farmers owe their success to the contribution of the Jamaican worker”. The Minister assured the team that the government was taking definitive steps to ensure that participating workers are properly oriented, noting that “they are our ambassadors, and so we must ensure that they know what is expected of them, what they are to expect, and how to conduct themselves”. Minister Samuda praised the US Government for its support of the programme, noting that the relationship reflects a “good partnership, based on friendship and mutual respect”. He however emphasized that Jamaica stands ready to supply significantly more workers.

The head of the US delegation, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Visa Services, Julie Stufft, confirmed that the Overseas Employment Programme and the Jamaican workers were highly valued by the US government, and the participating employers, noting that “Jamaica has a product which everyone wants”. Ms. Stufft assured the Jamaican team that her office would engage the relevant US government departments to explore recommendations for the expansions being sought by Jamaica.

The meeting was held at the Ministry’s North Street office in Kingston.

Contact: MLSS Communication Unit (876) 967-5484
|Email: prunit@mlss.gov.jm
Like and follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mlssjamaica/?ref=bookmarks; Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamaicaMlss and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlssjamaica Visit our website: www.mlss.gov.jm for more

Public Relations Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Monday, September 26, 2022

World Bank Delegation Pays Courtesy Call on Minister of Labour and Social Security

The Government of Jamaica (through the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service) and the World Bank are in discussion to design a new Social Protection Project. A delegation led by Mr. Luis Benveniste, Regional Director of Human Resource Development for the World Bank’s Latin American and the Caribbean Region, paid a Courtesy Call on Hon. Karl Samuda, Minister of Labour and Social Security (MLSS), on Wednesday, September 21, 2022, to discuss operationalization of the proposed project. The project will be executed through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

The project aims to strengthen Jamaica’s Social Protection Programmes and Systems in order to improve resilience of and increase opportunities for the Jamaican population. Among its objectives are

· expansion of current social insurance provisions to include Unemployment Insurance

· development of a Social Protection Information System (SPIS)

· capacity building of systems and human resources for effective disaster risk management response and

· strengthening of Labour Market Services

The project will be implemented through a number of strategic partnerships with government Ministries and agencies, including the Planning Institute of Jamaica, and the HEART NSTA Trust.

Minister Samuda expressed enthusiastic anticipation of the Project, which he says, “must establish systems to reduce waiting time from application to delivery of benefits. The digitization and streamlining of systems between agencies, to facilitate cross-referencing across government programmes in order to reduce duplication of benefits, as well as errors of exclusion and inclusion, is a priority”. “Training and certification of the Jamaican workforce in keeping with international standards, to make the workforce more marketable, is key”, said the Minister.

The World Bank is expected to field a Pre-Appraisal Mission to agree on further details of the project in early October, with a view to completing remaining steps ahead of approval by December. The $US25Million project is expected to begin implementation in June 2023.

Hon. Karl Samuda, Minister of Labour & Social Security (L) shares a light moment with Mr. Luis Benveniste, Regional Director of Human Resource Development for the World Bank’s Latin American and the Caribbean Region (C) along with Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Colette Roberts Risden, (3rd L), Director of Social Security, Ms. Suzette Morris (2nd L), and other members of the World Bank delegation.

Contact: MLSS Communication Unit (876) 967-5484
|Email: prunit@mlss.gov.jm
Like and follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mlssjamaica/?ref=bookmarks; Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamaicaMlss and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlssjamaica Visit our website: www.mlss.gov.jm for more