News Categories: Media Release

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
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

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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Public Relations Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

Henry Calls For Changes To PATH Requirements To Facilitate 50,000 More Poor Jamaicans.

Labour and Security Minister, Lester ‘Mike’ Henry, says the criteria for selection of beneficiaries in the Programme for Advancement through Health and Education (PATH) are in dire need of change. According to Minister Henry, there are approximately Fifty Thousand (50,000) more poor Jamaicans who are currently not on the programme, but who should have been on the programme.

He told Parliamentarians on Tuesday, that he carries a deep burden of concern for those persons who are suffering badly and that the onset of the Covid19 pandemic has worsened their living standards.

According Minister Henry, with the passage of time the established criteria for beneficiaries are in urgent need of review. In this regard, Minister Henry says he is moving to have the qualifying indicators changed to reflect the realities of the Jamaican poor and capture this large number of Jamaicans who are in desperate need of help from the State.

The criteria for PATH beneficiaries were developed by the PIOJ 20 years ago as a National Indicator for selection to the Social Welfare Programme.

The Beneficiary Identification System (BIS) which is currently in place, uses socio economic and demographic indicators as proxies to determine consumption in order to identify the poor for the social programme. All identified poor households are then placed in a Management Information System for cross sector targeting. The authentication of the scores are then followed by a site visit to the household by a social worker before cash transfers are made.

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
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