Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Derrick Kellier, said it is expected that the private sector will move more aggressively to create jobs next year under the Jamaica Employ initiative.

This, he said, is based on discussions with the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC), the stabilising of the economy, the anticipated passing of the first International Monetary Fund (IMF) test, and the restoration of business confidence.

The Minister was speaking to journalists Wednesday, September 4, at a press conference at Jamaica House.

In September 2012, the Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the JCC for the implementation of the initiative, which aims to help in forging a link between job seekers and prospective employers through the Ministry’s Labour Market Information System (LMIS).        

To date, some 100 persons have been interviewed, out of the approximately 400, who have been referred for jobs in the private sector. A total of 4,559 persons have been registered in the programme through the LMIS.

“We are contemplating continuing our meetings island-wide to speak with members of the Jamaican Chamber of Commerce (JCC) with whom the Prime Minister signed the MoU…we wish to continue to sensitize the principals of businesses about the programme, and make available the registration list on the electronic labour exchange so that they can match the skills competence with the jobs that they have,” Mr. Kellier said.

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, initiated Jamaica Employ when she issued a challenge to the private sector in January 2012 to deepen the partnership for national development, by immediately helping to reduce unemployment.             

She said this could be done if private sector companies employ at least one unemployed qualified Jamaican.

The LMIS is a web-based portal, which provides a one-stop data and information source, as well as job-placement facility.

It has four major components, which include : job matching facility, where job seekers post their resumes and employers can place vacancies; labour market intelligence, which provides information on labour market issues; a national skills bank, which gives employers and investors access to a database of available skills throughout the country; and related services, which include career counselling and funding sources for education and training.