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Approximately 7,194 Jamaicans were placed in the Overseas Employment Programme for the period April to June 2018, an increase of 5.6 per cent over the corresponding period last year.

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Shahine Robinson, made the disclosure at a quarterly press briefing, held at the Ministry’s North Street Offices today (September 4).

“Since July 2018, some 1,295 additional persons have been recruited, of which about 100 have been placed on farms in the United States of America,” Mrs. Robinson said.

She noted that based on her visits to the United States Departments of Labour and Homeland Security, the Ministry expects new employees to come on board, possibly yielding 200 new recruits.

“As we accelerate marketing strategies for the programme, opportunities in the United States care and construction industries are being discussed,” Mrs. Robinson said.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Robinson said the Ministry is aware of the concerns about the recent incidents of scamming by employment agencies.

She pointed out that the comprehensive public-education campaign that was announced during her sectoral presentation in the House will be launched later this month.

“We will pay special attention to rural communities which are particularly susceptible to these nefarious activities. This will be accompanied by ramping up our synergies with the security forces in an increased effort to eradicate this scourge,” the Minister said.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Government is introducing a back-to-school grant for beneficiaries under the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH).

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Shahine Robinson, made the announcement this morning at the first of a series of quarterly press briefings that she said her ministry will be hosting.

“This benefit will be payable to all registered PATH students attending primary and secondary schools island-wide, and will be paid at the rate of $3,500 per child,” Robinson told the press.

She said that payments will be made available for collection by beneficiaries on September 11, via the usual methods.

A total of 155,813 children will benefit from the grant, with the average payment to a household being $10,500 for three children.

“I am sure you will agree with me that every child must have the opportunity to stay in school, and every child must have the opportunity to learn. Therefore, this benefit will be paid annually, and will again be paid in the August, 2019 payment cycle and in ensuring years,” the minister said.

Robinson also announced Brittany Munroe and Shanique Davidson as the PATH 15th Anniversary Tertiary Scholarship winners, and handed them their cheques.

Brittany has been awarded $400,000 to continue studies towards a bachelor’s degree in pharmacology at the University of Technology, and Davidson will receive $600,000 towards a bachelor’s degree in medicine and surgery at the University of the West Indies (UWI).

During the briefing Robinson gave the press an update on developments in all areas of her ministry.

Source: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/latestnews/Govt_gives_back-to-school_support_to_PATH_students

Minister of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) Shahine Robinson said yesterday that contrary to recent news reports, there has been no decision to redesign the National Insurance Fund’s (NIF’s) portfolio.

However, the minister confirmed that it is intended to give the soon-to-be-created merged NIF and National Insurance Scheme (NIS) entity corporate status.

“… I would like to clarify that no decision has been made in relation to the redesign of the NIF’s portfolio, other than the fact that it is intended to be given body corporate status,” she told the media at her quarterly press briefing at the ministry, North Street, Kingston, yesterday.

“Reports of impending fund management outsourcing, including multiple private pension fund managers, are merely speculative. A consulting firm has been hired and we await their deliberations to create greater value for the pensioners who benefit from the fund,” the minister added.

A comprehensive review of the NIF investment policy is to be undertaken by the consultant and a risk management policy developed.

The ministry had previously disclosed plans to overhaul the NIF, leading to a merger with the NIS.

The decision followed reports of deficiencies in respect of the NIF’s equity portfolio, and possible fraud at the NIS.

The NIF and the NIS currently operate as MLSS departments. It is speculated that the newly created entity/agency would oversee over $106 billion in assets. However, this would require several amendments to the NIS laws which have to be prepared for submission to the chief parliamentary counsel.

Robinson told the briefing that, in the meantime, the NIF continues its primary focus, which is to maximise returns within acceptable risk limits, while maintaining a level of liquidity to facilitate the timely payment of NIS benefits.

“The NIF continues to evaluate the asset allocation with a view to ensuring that there is appropriate diversification, given the ever-changing investment environment in which we operate,” the minister noted.

She said that the NIF continues to demonstrate strong financial performance. The net assets of the fund grew by $13.8 billion or 14.8 per cent, to $106.2 billion as at March 2018. For the first quarter of the fiscal year, the net assets of the NIF grew by 7.37 per cent to $114.02 billion, when compared to the 2.03 per cent over the similar period for 2017/18.

She said that the fund continues to invest in a diversified portfolio of assets comprising equities, real estate bonds and loans.

Over the last three years, the equity portfolio has been the main contributor to the growth in the assets of the fund, averaging 44.3 per cent.

As at June 30, 2018, the equity portfolio was valued at $26 billion, up 7.16 per cent since the start of 2018/19 fiscal year on April 1.

Also at June 30, the bonds and loans portfolios were valued at $73.68 billion, up 9.67 per cent so far this fiscal year.

Source: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/no-decision-to-redesign-nif-portfolio-says-labour-minister_143407?profile=1606

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Labour and Social Security Minister Shahine Robinson today reported that fewer work permits were granted to foreigners for the period April to June, 2018.

Speaking at a quarterly press briefing held at the ministry’s North Street offices today, Robinson disclosed that 1,334 permits were granted for the period and of that number, 831 were new applications and 503 were renewals.

“For the corresponding period last year, we issued 1,675 permits; 835 of them were new applications and 781 were renewals,” she informed.

Robinson said that the granting of work permits is critical in realising the nation’s economic growth.

“It is a mechanism to plug the gaps in skill sets needed to provide sizeable manpower investments in tourism, construction and infrastructure. Many projects being carried out across the island require specialised skills that may not be available locally in adequate numbers,” she explained.

The minister said she has insisted on a thorough review of all applications for work permits to ensure that these are not been issued for skills that exist locally, and, as a result, the numbers are trending down.

“As your minister, I do believe that we have a responsibility to find the balance between facilitating investment opportunities as well as meeting the employment needs of our citizens,” she noted.

Meanwhile, the ministry, in collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), has developed a project to modernise the work permit system.

Robinson noted that this will replace the existing legacy system with a new client-focused, web-based work permit software.

“The new regime will be designed to cut the processing time for work permits, analyse the database of skills in Jamaica and help to simplify the process of doing business,” she noted.

Source: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/latestnews/Labour_ministry_says_fewer_work_permits_granted_to_foreigners_?profile=1228

Washington, DC – Jamaica’s Minister of Labor and Social Security, Shahine Robinson is pursuing plans to increase the seasonal work program with the United States.  She made this announcement after a meeting with top-level officials in the US Department of Labor, the Department of State, and the Department of Homeland Security in Washington, DC.

According to the minister, the talks were fruitful and from all indications the response to the request was positive.

At present there are 7,000 Jamaicans participating in the program in the United States: 4,981 of them in the farm work program and 1,693 in hospitality. “I am looking to double this figure, as this program is important to the Jamaican worker and to the economy as well as to the US.”

Minister Robinson along with State Minister in the Ministry of Labor and Socila Security Hon. Zavia Mayne were in Washington where discussions were held with US Deputy Under Secretary for International Affairs in the Department of Labor Martha Newton; US Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs in the Department of State, Carl Risch; and Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Dougherty.

The minister along with her delegation who were on an official visit to the United States from August 13 – 17, toured farms in Albany, New York, where she met with over 60 workers, and employers some of whom have been with the program for over forty years. She also visited hotel workers in Sea Island Resort in Georgia, which employs over 170 Jamaican workers under the hospitality program.  Seventy workers were presented with certificates recognizing their participation for four consecutive years.

In addressing the 75^th anniversary launch of the US Seasonal Program at a reception at the Embassy of Jamaica, Minister. Robinson pointed out that the program was born out of the need to address a labor shortage in the United States in 1943.  After seventy five years, it has proven to be one of the longest relationships between Jamaica and the US.  “Indeed, it is a fine example of cooperation, friendship, sincerity and commitment.  A relationship worthy of emulation,” the minister said.

Minister Robinson said that Jamaicans from all strata have been beneficiaries of this program, directly or indirectly.  It is a program that has stayed with us through decades of changes, war, self-government into independence and continues to play a significant role in improving the lives of Jamaicans.

The minister disclosed that there will be year-long activities in Jamaica and the US to celebrate the 75^th anniversary of the US Seasonal Workers Program.  The minister’s delegation consisted of Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Her Excellency Audrey Marks; Director of Industrial Relations and Allied Services, Jillian Corrodus; Advisor to the minister Beatrice Roden; and Jamaica Central Labour  Organization  Chief Liaison Officer  Methelina Scarlett-Jones.

Source: https://sflcn.com/jamaica-plans-to-increase-the-u-s-seasonal-work-program/

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security takes note of the article “Gov’t Pension Payments To Be Made By Direct Deposit Come September 1, Some Stakeholders Concerned,” published on Tuesday, August 14, 2018. The Ministry wishes to advise the public that this policy is only applicable to pensioners who receive payments from the Accountant General’s Department. Therefore, pension payments from the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) will not be affected.

NIS pensioners who are paid through pension order books, will continue to receive their payments with vouchers. However, pensioners have the option to receive their payments through direct deposit by completing a Direct Deposit Form available at their MLSS Parish Office or downloading the form from the Ministry’s website: www.mlss.gov.jm.

For more information, please contact the Ministry at the following numbers (876) 929 – 4206 or (876) 929 – 7177.

SCORES of people with disabilities are benefitting from greater access to skills training and employment opportunities under the Social and Economic Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities Project.

The US$2.9-million programme is funded by the Japan Policy Human Resources Development Grant and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank).

It also involves partnership with the Programme of Advancement through Health and Education (PATH), and is implemented through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

Beneficiary of the programme, Abilities Foundation, has spent more than $14 million since January to provide its students with employability skills and work opportunities.

“It has been one of the best projects, in terms of impact in the workplaces. The impact has been extremely positive, as many persons with disabilities have been empowered, and feeling better about themselves,” Managing Director, Abilities Foundation, Susan Hamilton, said.

She was speaking at a development workshop held at the institution’s Constant Spring Road, Kingston offices last Thursday.

According to Hamilton, along with the training of people with disabilities, the organisation, through the programme, has been able to launch its website as well as improve its social media presence.

“That has been phenomenal in engaging the public, and ensuring that persons know who we are…we couldn’t do that with our normal budget,” the managing director added.

The development workshop was held for 18 of 40 students who participated in the Summer Apprentice Programme. The students were able to learn more about workplace protocol, following feedback received from employers.

Hamilton said that this was necessary as it will “ensure that our students get all the soft skills needed to transition into the workplace”.

Meanwhile, student at the Abilities Foundation, Janet Wright, said going to the organisation was “the best choice I have made”.

“When they send you to jobs, employers don’t look down on you, because they know the institution that you are coming from,” Wright said.

Another beneficiary of the Summer Apprentice Programme, Barrington Roberts, said it “has helped me to gain more experience”.

“Abilities [Foundation] focuses on helping individuals, and training persons so that they can be successful,” he said.

Source: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/scores-of-disabled-being-equipped-for-work-environment_141209?profile=1373

Scores of persons with disabilities are benefitting from greater access to skills training and employment opportunities under the Social and Economic Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities Project.

The US$2.9 million programme is funded by the Japan Policy Human Resources Development Grant and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank).

It also involves partnership with the Programme of Advancement through Health and Education (PATH), and is implemented through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

Beneficiary of the programme, Abilities Foundation, has spent over $14 million since January to provide its students with employability skills and work opportunities.

“It has been one of the best projects, in terms of impact in the workplaces. The impact has been extremely positive, as many persons with disabilities have been empowered, and feeling better about themselves,” Managing Director, Abilities Foundation, Susan Hamilton, said.

She was speaking with JIS News at a development workshop held at the institution’s Constant Spring Road offices on August 9.

Ms. Hamilton, underscored that along with the training of persons with disabilities, the organisation, through the programme, was able to launch its website, as well as improve its social media presence.

“That has been phenomenal in engaging the public, and ensuring that persons know who we are…we couldn’t do that with our normal budget,” the Managing Director added.

The development workshop was held for 18 of 40 students who participated in the Summer Apprentice programme. The students were able to learn more about workplace protocol, following feedback received from employers.

Ms Hamilton said that this was necessary as it will “ensure that our students get all the soft skills needed to transition into the workplace.”

Meanwhile, student at the Abilities Foundation, Janet Wright, said coming to the organisation was “the best choice I have made.”

“When they send you to jobs, employers don’t look down on you, because they know the institution that you are coming from,” Miss Wright said.

Another beneficiary of the Summer Apprentice Programme, Barrington Roberts, said it “has helped me to gain more experience.”

 “Abilities [Foundation] focuses on helping individuals, and training persons so that they can be successful,” he told JIS News.

Source: https://jis.gov.jm/persons-with-disabilities-being-equipped-for-the-work-environment/

The filing of returns for NIS contributions has been a chronic problem over the years among some employers, and even government bodies, but now the state pension agency is trying another tactic to drive compliance.

The parent ministry of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) has taken to writing to them.
NIS Director Portia Magnus told the Financial Gleaner that the agency has been able to reduce outstanding liabilities from employers by bringing them under the watchful eye of the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Labour & Social Security.

The correspondence with delinquents ­ saying we know who you are, so please pay up ­ has so far borne fruit in at least one instance.

The NIS is a compulsory social security scheme which requires contributions from persons 18-65 years who are employed.

“The support from top management, which included the involvement of our permanent secretary in communicating with employers with the largest liabilities, resulted in most of the arrears being paid by one such employer,” Magnus said.

The unit has also deployed new software, which will help it in tracking payments and funds owed more accurately. Right now, the arrears are merely estimated.

Magnus said the agency does not know the entirety of the arrears, nor could it provide a breakdown of which sectors are most inclined not to pay.

The NIS spotlight on individual employers is an added tool to the company’s compliance arsenal. It’s meant to complement “regular compliance meetings and support provided by the Compliance Unit to parish offices”. NIS is also planning to take more employers to court to force payment.

For fiscal year 2018-19, NIS had set target collections for delinquencies at $850 million, down from $1.4 billion targeted in the previous year.

The current target is under review, but Magnus is not saying whether the reset is expected to be higher or lower collections.

She notes that it is an annual exercise for NIS targets to be assessed based on current realities, and revised.

Guaranteed benefits

The NIS, which is 52 years old this year, provides minimum guaranteed benefits to over 113,000 beneficiaries locally and overseas. Those benefits are funded from NIS contributions, which averages about $14 billion annually, according to the labour ministry.
NIS contributions are invested by subsidiary agency National Insurance Fund to drive up the value of the pool. But the most recent assessments of the contribution pool has shown worrying signs the viability of the system is at risk.

It’s within that context that the NIS is trying to devise creative means to go after payments that have been held back by employers.

“To support the thrust to improve compliance, more emphasis will be placed on training; the continued involvement of top management in communicating with the employers with the largest arrears; conducting research; and the completion and deployment of the Compliance Module of the new software used by the National Insurance Division,” Magnus said.

avia.collinder@gleanerjm.com

Source: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/business/20180803/nis-banking-high-profile-contact-increase-compliance