The International Labour Organization (ILO) has given its commitment to provide funding support for the Jamaica Household Workers Union, and further research on the achievements in eliminating child labour in Jamaica.

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Pearnel Charles Jr, made the disclosure during a statement to the House of Representatives on Tuesday (October 1).

Charles Jr. also informed me that the organisation was committed to the commencement of the ILO Jamaica Just Transition Project.

“This project will be implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation and along with other government and private-sector stakeholders,” Charles Jr said.

“The objective of the project is to support Jamaica as we infuse climate action with decent work principles to advance social justice and the sustainable development goals. We will say more at the project’s official launch in November,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Minister informed that Jamaica’s labour force currently consists of approximately 1,486,400 individuals, with an overall labour force participation rate of 68.9 per cent.

He said this is 6.3 per cent higher than the overall labour force participation rate for Latin America and the Caribbean, which averaged 62.6 per cent for the first quarter of 2024.

The Minister also noted that the Ministry recently hosted the Western Region Labour Talks Roadshow under the theme ‘Transforming Jamaica’s Workforce for greater resilience and sustainable development’.

He said the roadshow featured a mega job fair and an information session for the training and development of workers, potential employees, members of the trade union, academia and employers, including investors.

The next in the series of roadshows is scheduled to be in St Ann in November and Manchester early next year.

Charles Jr said that these roadshows will provide another opportunity for employers and workers to connect.

“Additionally, we are preparing to host an information session in St Ann on November 27 to discuss key requirements for labour law compliance, frequent pitfalls surrounding employment termination, as well as providing a networking opportunity for employers to share their own experiences as we build an inclusive and resilient workforce,” he said.