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Government of Jamaica

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Government of Jamaica

GOJ TO INTRODUCE PATERNITY, FAMILY LEAVE AND INCREASE MATERNITY LEAVE- MINISTER CLARKE’S STATEMENT TO THE PRESS

The Hon. Nigel Clarke, D.Phil., MP
The Hon. Nigel Clarke, D.Phil., MP

Minister of Finance and the Public Service

The Hon. Nigel Clarke, DPhil., MP responding to media queries during the press conference

­­­­­­­­­­­­Kingston, Jamaica: Tuesday, July 12, 2022

The GOJ is in the process of restructuring public sector compensation. Compensation consists of not only wages and salaries but takes into account benefits like pension and terms and conditions such as leave entitlements. In 2018, we amended the pension act to make public sector pensions equitable, fair, simple to administer and sustainable.

As previously indicated our discussions about the details of the compensation restructure take place with public sector unions and bargaining groups around the conference table. That has been going well, we have completed first-round consultations with all public sector unions and bargaining groups and we are progressing with the second round of consultations.

Sometimes, however, it is necessary for me to signal, to the country the direction of the reform as I did a few weeks ago when I said that persons at the bottom of the compensation ladder in the public service i.e. those earning $500,000 per annum and $600,000 per annum, and even lower, amounts can expect a significant adjustment to their compensation.

Today, I intend to similarly signal the direction of this reform as it pertains to maternity leave, paternity leave and family leave. Coming out of the Compensation Restructure, and in reviewing the terms and conditions of service, the GOJ has decided to update the terms of maternity leave and to introduce a provision for paternity leave and leave for adoptive parents in the public service. All of these are components of total compensation.

The GOJ intends to update the Public Sector Staff Orders of 2004 to increase maternity leave from 40 days to three (3) calendar months.

The GOJ also intends to update the Public Sector Staff Orders of 2004 to introduce paternity leave, for the first time in the public service, for fathers of newborns, for a specific time and on specific terms to be finalized.

The GOJ also intends to update the Public Sector Staff Orders of 2004 to introduce family leave for adoptive parents who are bringing a new child into the home.

We are working to modernize our public service. Modernization is multifaceted. It includes pursuing efficiency and simplification, it embraces fairness and equity in compensation, it involves the application of technology to boost access and productivity, it requires better customer service and it also embraces changes in terms and conditions that better reflect our values.

To give effect to these changes the appropriate circular will be sent out to members of the public service by September 30th.

Statement from the Minister of Finance and the Public Service, the Hon. Nigel Clarke, DPhil., MP.

For more information contact:

Corporate Communication & Public Relations Branch
Ministry of Finance and the Public Service
30 National Heroes Circle
Kingston 4
Tel: (876) 932-4656/4660/4655

The Hon. Nigel Clarke, D.Phil., MP

Minister of Finance and the Public Service
30 National Heroes Circle, Kingston 4
Tel: (876) 932-4656 / 4660 / 4655
Eml: opedjamaica@gmail.com

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