The Ministry of Labour and Social Security will be expanding industry and academic partnerships, fostering national productivity and incentivising private-sector growth during the 2025/26 fiscal year.
This was disclosed by Custos Rotulorum for Kingston, Hon. Steadman Fuller, as he delivered the 2025/26 Throne Speech during the ceremonial opening of Parliament at Gordon House on Thursday (February 13).
Mr. Fuller, who deputised for Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, also informed that the Social Protection for Increased Resilience and Opportunity (SPIRO) Project will modernise social protection provisions, including upgrades to social and labour market information systems.
“Further, the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH) will be reformed to address design deficiencies and improve operational efficiencies in delivery. The National Insurance Scheme will [also] be further automated to streamline benefits and life certificate distribution,” he stated.
Additionally, a National Action Plan to eliminate child labour will be introduced following the implementation of the Child Labour Risk Model.
“This Plan will integrate public awareness campaigns and community interventions to protect vulnerable children,” Mr. Fuller said.
Meanwhile, guided by the principle of ‘No One Left Behind’, the Government has continued to strengthen social protection, promote decent work and enhance productivity.
“The national minimum wage increased by 15 per cent, following a 44 per cent rise in 2023, contributing to higher living standards alongside a record-low 3.5 per cent unemployment rate. Social security expanded, with 17,800 new National Insurance Scheme (NIS) benefits issued to new applicants, while contributions outpaced payments by $18.99 billion. Senior citizens saw a 76 per cent increase in the Social Pension Benefit, from $6,800 to $12,000,” Mr. Fuller outlined.
The Custos informed that efforts in the area of productivity included the Future of Work and Productivity Summit and the launch of the Public Sector Productivity Improvement Initiative.
In addition, support for persons with disabilities advanced with a $53.5-million investment in the ‘New Life, New Limb Programme’, providing prosthetic devices to 158 individuals.
Progress is also being made on the Occupational Safety and Health Bill to improve workplace safety, as well as amendments to the Minimum Wage Act to align with international standards for domestic workers.
A modern social protection framework is also being developed.