Last updated: May 09, 2023
Currency
Jamaican Dollar (JMD)
Employer Taxes
Unknown
Payroll Frequency
Bi-Monthly / Monthly
Employee Costs
7.25%
Capital
Kingston
Date Format
dd/mm/yyyy
Fiscal Year
1 April - 31 March
Table of contents
- Contributions
- Minimum Wage
- Payroll
- Working Hours
- Leave
- Termination
- VISA
- VAT
- Version History
Contribution
| Employer | Employer Payroll Contributions | |
3.00% | National Insurance Scheme (NIS) (on maximum remuneration of 5 million JMD per year) | |
3.00% | National Housing Trust (NHT) | |
3.50% | Education Tax | |
3.00% | Human Employment & Resources Training (HEART) | |
| 12.50% | Total Employment Cost | |
| Employee | Employee Payroll Contributions | |
3.00% | (on maximum remuneration of 5 million JMD per year) National Insurance Scheme (NIS) | |
2.00% | National Housing Trust (NHT) | |
2.25% | Education Tax | |
| 7.25% | Total Employee Cost | |
| Employee Income Tax | ||
0.00% | Up to 1,500,096 JMD | |
25.00% | 1,500,096 JMD to 6,000,000 JMD (applicable Jamaican residents) | |
| 30.00% | Above 6,000,000 JMD |
Employer taxes
Highest
Lowest
Employee taxes
Highest
Lowest
Minimum Wage
The weekly minimum wage in Jamaica is 13,000 JMD, (based on a 40 hour week).
MINIMUM WAGE (PER MONTH)
Highest
Lowest
Payroll
Payroll Cycle
Salaries are paid on either a monthly or semi-monthly basis.
13th Salary
There is no statutory requirement for a 13th-month salary in Jamacia.
Working Hours
General
Full-time employment is considered 40 hours weekly and is generally eight hours per day.
Seven days a week including Sunday, are now considered working days in Jamaica, with work shifts up to 12 hours in 24 hours.
Overtime
Overtime is defined as work exceeding 40 weekly hours, work on a rest day, or work on a holiday.
All work above 40 weekly hours must be paid at a rate of 150% salary. Work on Sundays and public holidays are paid at a rate of 200%.
Leave
Annual Leave (vacation)
Employees are granted two weeks of paid leave per year. Three weeks of paid leave are given to employees with over ten years of continuous service.
Public Holidays
The government decides each year if public holidays falling on a weekend will be moved to a working day in lieu.
| Date | Day | Holiday | Note |
| 1 Jan 2024 | Monday | New Year’s Day | |
| 14 Feb 2024 | Wednesday | Ash Wednesday | |
| 29 Mar 2024 | Friday | Good Friday | |
| 1 Apr 2024 | Monday | Easter Monday | |
| 23 May 2024 | Thursday | Labour Day | |
| 1 Aug 2024 | Thursday | Emancipation Day | |
| 6 Aug 2024 | Tuesday | Independence Day | |
| 21 Oct 2024 | Monday | National Heroes Day | |
| 25 Dec 2024 | Wednesday | Christmas Day | |
| 26 Dec 2024 | Thursday | Boxing Day |
Sick Days
Employees are granted two weeks (10 working days) of paid leave per year. Three weeks (15 working days) of paid leave is given to employees with over ten years of continuous service.
Maternity Leave
Pregnant employees are entitled to 12 weeks of maternity leave once one year of service has been completed.
The maternity pay is paid for a period of eight weeks at the regular salary rate.
Paternity Leave
Newborns’ biological fathers are allowed 20 paid workdays for paternity and adoption leave.
This benefit can be used three times in each government entity. It’s available to male employees, 18 or older, with at least a year of continuous service. The leave must be taken within six months of the child’s birth. For subsequent pregnancies, a gap of six months is required between leaves. The leave is also applicable in the unfortunate event of a stillbirth or if the infant passes away within six months of birth.
Adoption Leave
New adoptive parents are granted 20 paid workdays for paternity and adoption leave.
This benefit can be used three times in each government entity. It’s open to employees, 18 or older, with at least a year of continuous service. Adoption leave can be taken all at once or in two parts, as per the employee’s request. The application must be backed by documents from the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) or the courts. Adoption leave can be taken once a year, only after a child has been placed with the family.
Vacation Days
Public Holidays
Highest
Lowest
PAID MATERNITY LEAVE (DAYS)
Highest
Lowest
Termination
Termination Process
Employers can terminate a fix term contract by giving the following reasons – business, personal, or worker’s misconduct. It requires notice and a written explanation for the termination. If the reason is misconduct, a warning needs to be given and the employee gets a chance to explain actions.
Notice Period
The minimum amount of working notice or termination pay in lieu of notice required under Section 63 is determined by the length of employment as follows:
- Up to 5 years of employment entitles workers to 2 weeks’ notice
- 5-10 years of service entitles workers to four weeks’ notice
- 10-15 years of service entitles workers to 6 weeks’ notice
- 15-20 years of service workers to 8 weeks’ notice
- 20 + years of service workers to 12 weeks’ notice
Severance Pay
Severance pay is only required for cases of redundancy. Severance pay for redundancy is calculated at two weeks’ pay per year for the first ten years of service and after that, increases to three weeks’ pay per year.
Probation Period
There is no statutory requirement for a probationary period in Jamacia. However, collective agreements generally stipulate a 3 to 6-month probation period.
VISA
VISA
Persons seeking to obtain a work permit are required to apply to the Work Permit Department of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MLSS) through their prospective employer, contractor, or legal representative.
Employers submitting work permit applications on behalf of prospective employees are required to submit a cover letter to the permanent secretary of the MLSS, outlining:
- The reasons for the application
- The duration of the work being undertaken
- Any efforts to recruit local persons to carry out the work stipulated
Applications for work permits on behalf of self-employed persons must also be submitted with a cover letter outlining:
- The nature and duration of the work stipulated
- Certified copies of the credentials of the applicant
- Two (2) passport photographs
- The individual’s resume
- The individual’s police record
A non-refundable processing fee of 14,400 JMD must be submitted with the application. If the MLSS approves the grant, the applicant must pay a work permit fee before the permit can be issued.
The duration of work permit fees (JMD) are as follows:
Up to 3 months - 27,000 JMD
3 – 6 months - 54,000 JMD
6 – 9 months - 81,000 JMD
9 – 12 months -1 08,000 JMD
The turnaround time for the approval of a work permit is approximately 4 – 6 weeks.
VAT
General
The standard rate of GCT in Jamaica is 15%.
Stay up to date on payroll & employment law changes
Version History
May 3, 2022
The weekly minimum wage in Jamaica is now 9,000 JMD per week and 10,500 JMD per week for security guards (based on a 40-hour working week).
Payroll contributions and personal income tax rates have been updated.
April 1, 2020
National Insurance Scheme (NIS) increased from 2.75% to 3.00%
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Questions & Answers
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137 Comments
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Shane
3 years ago
Do you get paid for unused vacation days if u resign?
4
Reply
Emily Kuhnert
3 years ago
Reply to Shane
Hi Shane, thank you for your question. This is correct, upon termination, unused vacation days should be paid out.
17
Reply
Naji
2 years ago
Reply to Emily Kuhnert
Good Morning, How is this calculated?
2
Reply
Emily Kuhnert
2 years ago
Reply to Naji
Hi, this is calculated based on the daily pay rate multiplied by the number of unused vacation days.
7
Reply
Naji
2 years ago
Reply to Emily Kuhnert
Thank you. Is this overall of within the current year? Like I’ve worked with a company 1 yr and 6 months bit never taken my vacation days..
1
Reply
Emily Kuhnert
2 years ago
Reply to Naji
This would depend on your company’s policy on rollover vacation days from the previous year. I would suggest reaching out to your HR team to find out how many days of paid leave you have acrued.
1
Reply
Deneila
1 month ago
Reply to Naji
I was told by my employer that I am insubordinate for absence of work that is unapproved leave and not following instructions. I was on vacation and I asked for my additional days where I was not in the parish to return to work. I did ask for the approval but I was denied. I take the rest of my days as I was not around to return at work which I did state. I am to attend a disciplinary hearing. What can I do in this case. Any advice
Reply
Admin
Enny Shmurin
8 days ago
Reply to Deneila
We recommend seeking guidance from a local legal/HR advisor as to what your rights are for this specific scenario.
Reply
Amir Chambers
2 months ago
Reply to Emily Kuhnert
Should you be paid for sick days as well?
Reply
Admin
Enny Shmurin
2 months ago
Reply to Amir Chambers
Hi, no.
Reply
shanquille
3 years ago
how long do you have to be working to be granted sick days pay?
Reply
Erez Greenberg
3 years ago
Reply to shanquille
Hi Shanquille, new employees are eligible for sick leave after 110 days of employment. Hope this helps!
3
Reply
shanquille
3 years ago
Reply to Erez Greenberg
THANK YOU
Reply
Nikki
3 years ago
Reply to Erez Greenberg
Which month if the year does sick leave becomes eligible?
The first seven days of the year is eligible for sick leave?
Reply
Erez Greenberg
3 years ago
Reply to Nikki
Hi Nikki, eligibility depends on the length of employment and not the month. An employee becomes eligible for sick leave after 110 days of employment.
1
Reply
Toni-Ann
3 years ago
what should I do if I got terminated and I haven’t got paid up
Reply
Erez Greenberg
3 years ago
Reply to Toni-Ann
Hi, There are multiple factors involved, so I suggest visiting the Jamaican Government “Employment (Termination and Redundancy) Act” for guidance specific to your situation. https://moj.gov.jm/sites/default/files/laws/Employment%20%28Termination%2C%20etc.%29%20Act.pdf
1
Reply
Jody-Ann Slue
3 years ago
Should security officers get paid for contract breaks they didn’t get when they resign
Reply
Editor
Alex Margolin
3 years ago
Reply to Jody-Ann Slue
Thank you for your question. The best way to approach this matter is by contacting a contract lawyer to examine the specific details of the contract. Circ*mstances may vary on a case-by-case basis.
Reply
Tahnee prince
3 years ago
If your working for 3 years are u eligible for sick leave?
Reply
Erez Greenberg
3 years ago
Reply to Tahnee prince
Yes, you become eligible for sick leave after 110 days of employment.
1
Reply
James
3 years ago
If I resign my job after being with the company for over 10 years, how will my employer calculate my final pay which should also include my vacation days.
1
Reply
Editor
Alex Margolin
2 years ago
Reply to James
In general, employees earn three weeks of vacation after 10 years of service. If there are unused vacation days earned by the employee, they should be compensated at the regular rate of pay to the employee at the time.
Reply
Tweetchi
2 years ago
When the year restarts given that you have passed the 110days of employment are you given 10sick days at the start of the year?
1
Reply
Erez Greenberg
2 years ago
Reply to Tweetchi
If an employee has worked for 110 days, but less than 220 days, they earn 1 day of sick leave for every 22 days worked. Once they have worked for 220 days, they receive their full two weeks of sick leave.
1
Reply
Shantel
2 years ago
I wana know I have been working ina whole sale for 1yr 8 months is it possible for me to get a leave
Reply
Emily Kuhnert
2 years ago
Reply to Shantel
Hi Shantal, thank you for your question. It depends on the number of days you have worked. If you have worked between 110-220 days, you earn 1 day of vacation for every 22 days worked. Once you have worked at least 220 days in a year, you are entitled to the full allotment of vacation leave.
5
Reply
Phillip.
2 years ago
Is an employer allowed to lower your pay without notice? My pay structure got lower and Iâm just finding out a month later.
Reply
Emily Kuhnert
2 years ago
Reply to Phillip.
Hi Phillip, thank you for your question. In general, this usually needs to be mutually agreed upon between you and your employer, however, there are other factors involved as well.
7
Reply
Andrew
2 years ago
Hello…If i work seven consecutive days or more should i get double from the seventh day onwards?
Reply
Erez Greenberg
2 years ago
Reply to Andrew
Jamaica has flexi-work so it depends on your arrangement with your employer. Also, overtime pay is determined by the number of hours worked in a week and not the number of days, so overtime is only paid if you have worked more than 40 hours in a week.
7
Reply
Rupert Daley
2 years ago
Just so I understand clearly, After an employee has work for 110 days in the first instance, will he/she be entitled to the full 10 days sick leave right away? or the employee will need to earn on a pro-rated basis there-on in? There is some ambiguity here, please clarify.
3
Reply
Emily Kuhnert
2 years ago
Reply to Rupert Daley
Hi Rupert, the law states that after 110 days of employment, a worker is entitled to sick leave with pay for the first 10 days of illness. The law is quite vague in that it doesn’t address how sick leave is accrued other than the aforementioned.
Reply
Rupert Daley
2 years ago
Reply to Emily Kuhnert
Ok, thanks Emily. You and team are doing a great job. Keep up the good work.
3
Reply
Shanice Smith
2 years ago
Hi,
Are hourly paid employees entitled to get paid for public holidays if they do not work?
1
Reply
Erez Greenberg
2 years ago
Reply to Shanice Smith
In general, an employer is only required to pay hourly employees for the time they actually worked.
Reply
Shanice Smith
2 years ago
Reply to Erez Greenberg
Thanks much! One last question regarding Salaried persons and public holidays, I recall that once you would have been scheduled to work on the day the holidays falls on then you should be paid for the day, in the event an employee had a let’s say a SL filed for that day but doesn’t have any sick days would they still be paid given that it’s a holiday or no? Hope this isn’t confusing, thanks in advance!
Reply
Erez Greenberg
2 years ago
Reply to Shanice Smith
If it’s a salaried employee and it’s a non-working public holiday, then it’s irrelevant since they have a set monthly salary. If it’s a working public holiday, then the employee must work — taking sick leave with no sick leave days typically requires a doctor’s note or, it will come out of the employee’s salary. Getting paid for public holidays can also be contract or employer-specific, so it’s best to speak with either HR or a manager.
Reply
Maria
2 years ago
Hi, what´s the % the employer pays for social security?
2
Reply
Emily Kuhnert
2 years ago
Reply to Maria
Hi Maria, in Jamaica, social security is referred to as “National Insurance Scheme” and the employer contribution is 3.00%. Please see the above employer payroll taxes for more information.
Reply
Rupert Daley
2 years ago
Does the YTD on a payslip include current earnings for a pay period?
Reply
Emily Kuhnert
2 years ago
Reply to Rupert Daley
Hi Rupert, YTD on the payslip includes everything for the entire year to current, so it indeed does show your current total earnings for the entire year. The quickest way to check this is to go back and look at all of your payslips and calculate your totals.
Reply
Rupert Daley
2 years ago
Reply to Emily Kuhnert
Thanks Emily
Reply
nev
2 years ago
am i eligible for paid maternity after 3yrs of fulltime work then agreed partime for less than a year?
Reply
Emily Kuhnert
2 years ago
Reply to nev
Hi Nev, you should be entitled to maternity leave if you’ve been continuously employed with the same employer, even if you’ve started working part time.
1
Reply
Tasha
2 years ago
I have been employed for over a year, how many days off am I entitled for?
Reply
Emily Kuhnert
2 years ago
Reply to Tasha
Hi Tasha, thank you for your question. If you’ve been employed full-time, you are entitled to 2 weeks of paid leave. You can find out more information under the “Leave” section.
Reply
Marsha
2 years ago
Thanks for this. A few questions:
1. What determines whether someone is an hourly employee or weekly one? For example are you an hourly employee not due holiday pay if you work 40 hrs/ week, or are you a weekly employee due holiday pay?
2. What are the laws around payment for live- In workers who take care of the sick and of children?
Reply
Emily Kuhnert
2 years ago
Reply to Marsha
Hi Marsha, to answer your first question, whether you are deemed hourly or weekly employee would be something that is determined in your employment contract. Regarding your second question, this is out of the scope of what we can offer information for.
Reply
Melia
2 years ago
Hi, I have worked 3 years and i decided to resign in march…..would i be entitled to vacation pay or sick leave?
Reply
Erez Greenberg
2 years ago
Reply to Melia
Hi, it depends on your written contract regarding time off, but you should be entitled to vacation pay but not necessarily sick leave pay.
Reply
Shantel
2 years ago
Hi good day. I have worked at a contact center for the last 2 years and 6 mths. I gave adequate notice before resigning recently, more than two weeks. Just wanted to Know if I’m only to be paid for vacation days I had that were not used. Seeing that I resigned early this year I just wanted an idea of what I’m to be paid.
2
Reply
Editor
Alex Margolin
2 years ago
Reply to Shantel
Hi. Upon termination of employment, unused vacation days should be compensated. Your contract should stipulate how many days can be carried over from year to year.
Reply
Kay
2 years ago
Do I have to be working a certain amount of days to get holiday with pay? Can you explain who is a casual/temporary worker?
Reply
Editor
Alex Margolin
2 years ago
Reply to Kay
In order to qualify for paid time off, you have to work at least 110 days. If you work between 110 days and 220 days, you receive one vacation day for every 22 days worked. After you work for 220 days, you receive your full allotment of 2 weeks of paid time off.
A casual worker is one who is not formally employed as a permanent employee by the company but rather hired short-term for a specific task and usually paid by the hour rather than monthly.
Reply
Kay
2 years ago
Reply to Alex Margolin
What if I was on a 6month work programme but was asked to continue working. Would the 110/220 days be in the 6months? Or does it start after the 6months?
Reply
Emily Kuhnert
2 years ago
Reply to Kay
Hi Kay, stepping in for Alex. This would start from the first day of initial employment, not from after the 6 months.
Reply
akeem
2 years ago
if am fired how much should my company pay me for working 5 years
1
Reply
Emily Kuhnert
2 years ago
Reply to akeem
Hey Akeem, unless stated otherwise in your contract, you are not entitled to severance pay. The only thing that you are paid out for is your unused vacation days.
1
Reply
Naketa
2 years ago
Reply to Emily Kuhnert
What if the employee walked off the job without notice to the employer leaving the business unma6. Does the employee still get vacation leave.
Reply
Emily Kuhnert
2 years ago
Reply to Naketa
They are still entitled to their leave.
1
Reply
Mistress
2 years ago
Hi,
i started at a new job August 16, and i got paid at the end of August for two weeks.
then in september i got my september salary. then in october my salary was over the amount that i signed up for so i called payroll and they are saying that they’ll recover it but when i look at my payslip i do not understand it. it has total earnings which consist of my gross pay with regular pay then the deductions. i honestly just do not understand
Reply
Emily Kuhnert
2 years ago
Reply to Mistress
Hi Mistress, thank you for your question. This is not something that we are able to advise you on as we don’t have all of the necessary information to do so. I recommend that you reach out to your HR team or the person that runs your payroll to understand your payslip.
1
Reply
jaydee
2 years ago
Hi
I started working on November 4 and today which is only 2 days of work.
My boss did not explain to me in the interview about probation nor the salary of the job until today saying I’m on 3 months probation until they can decide whether or not to put me on the payroll.
Now I understand that part but I want to know if I’m supposed to get paid during those 3 months of probation until the 3 months are up and they decide to pay me the full amount like experienced employees?
Reply
Emily Kuhnert
2 years ago
Reply to jaydee
Hi Jaydee, thank you for your question. During your probation period, you should be paid a monthly salary, it is not unpaid.
1
Reply
jaydee
2 years ago
Reply to Emily Kuhnert
So that means i should be paid at the end of each month or fortnight like the rest of employees?
1
Reply
Emily Kuhnert
2 years ago
Reply to jaydee
Correct
2
Reply
garfield
1 year ago
do you get any benefits if resign after 5 years of your service to a company?
Reply
Erez Greenberg
1 year ago
Reply to garfield
Severance pay is only required for cases of redundancy. Severance pay for redundancy is calculated at two weeksâ pay per year for the first ten years of service and, after that, increasing to three weeks´ pay per year.
2
Reply
Chris-Ann
1 year ago
If I’m only 6 months in my permanent position, am I entitled to maternity leave if I get pregnant at that 6 months stamp?
Reply
Erez Greenberg
1 year ago
Reply to Chris-Ann
Hi, Maternity leave is granted after being continuously employed for one year.
3
Reply
J.P.
11 months ago
Is 2 weeks vacation in Jamaica 14 days ( sat-sun ) or 10 days (mon-fri) ?
Reply
Admin
Enny Shmurin
11 months ago
Reply to J.P.
It refers to 2 âworkingâ weeks (in Jamaica a working week can be any of the 7 days, it depends on the agreed contractual schedule).
Reply
Shush
10 months ago
I have been with a company for 12 years. I resigned and got my vaca pay however I saw that its less than what it should be when I checked they took all the taxes out of it. Can they do that?
Reply
Admin
Enny Shmurin
10 months ago
Reply to Shush
Hello, holiday pay is taxable in Jamaica.
1
Reply
Michael
9 months ago
Is there such a thing as grace period of 15 minutes to not be late for work in Jamaica
Reply
Admin
Enny Shmurin
9 months ago
Reply to Michael
Hello, I am not aware of any law on grace period, this is usually up to the employer to decide the policy.
Reply
Ruth
9 months ago
I have a Kindergarten School and staff are usually paid for the 3 months school is out on holidays. With the increase in minimun wage come June 01, I am in a quandry.
Reply
Admin
Enny Shmurin
9 months ago
Reply to Ruth
Hello, could you please clarify what your question is?
Reply
Shari
9 months ago
What does a contract worker entitled to after resignation
Reply
Admin
Enny Shmurin
8 months ago
Reply to Shari
In Jamaica, there is no legal requirement for employers to provide severance pay upon voluntary resignation. However, some employment contracts or collective agreements may include provisions for severance pay upon resignation.
Reply
Monque
9 months ago
What is a domestic worker entitled to who has worked with the family for 12yrs but due to death of the Head of household the services are no longer required as there is no one left that needs the services? I am very confused
Reply
Admin
Enny Shmurin
8 months ago
Reply to Monque
When an employer in Jamaica passes away, their estate, including the business, goes through the estate administration process. An executor or administrator is usually appointed to manage the deceased employer’s affairs, including employment matters. The business’s continuity depends on the specific circ*mstances. It may continue to operate under the administration of the estate, or it could be wound up. Decisions regarding business continuity, such as selling or closing the business, are typically made by the estate administrator or executor, we would recommend seeking legal local advice.
Reply
Shanice
9 months ago
What should I do if my employer didnât pay me
Reply
Admin
Enny Shmurin
8 months ago
Reply to Shanice
Hello, please provide more context. In most cases we recommend you seek local legal advice.
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Nicole Lindsay
8 months ago
Good afternoon. If someone is engaged for 40 hours per week for approximately 5 months are they expected to pay statutory deductions?
Reply
Admin
Enny Shmurin
8 months ago
Reply to Nicole Lindsay
Hello, all workers are required to pay statutory contributions.
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Reply
Carlene
6 months ago
Reply to Enny Shmurin
Hi..I’m working as a helper/ nanny for eight months my boss said to me on the Monday of the work week that my service is no longer needed because of whatever reason but She will pay me for my two weeks notice pay..should I still work for that two weeks or should or is it that if I work I should still be getting paid for that two weeks along with my notice pay vacation pay and sick leave ? Thank you
Reply
Admin
Enny Shmurin
6 months ago
Reply to Carlene
Hello, I recommend you ask your boss to confirm if they are expecting you to work during this notice period or not.
Reply
Tashane
8 months ago
If am employed for 4 years and 3 months and am being terminated, am I suppose yo expect any pay up for years of service? Or just unused vacation and 2 weeks notice pay?
Reply
Admin
Enny Shmurin
8 months ago
Reply to Tashane
Termination payout depends on the reason; typically, severance is only required in a redundancy scenario. Regular termination does not require any additional payment except for notice and owed salary/vacation/bonus etc.
Reply
Shaleon
7 months ago
My boss will be traveling overseas for two week and said I won’t be working for those two weeks am I entitled to be pay for those two weeks
Reply
Admin
Enny Shmurin
6 months ago
Reply to Shaleon
I strongly suggest you check with your employer if they are expecting you to use annual leave for this period, or if this is seen as an additional leave â paid or unpaid.
Reply
Saskie
6 months ago
Can your employer tell you that overtime is mandatory and give you a schedule for working 9 hours per day (not including the lunch hour) for 5 days?
Last edited 6 months ago by Saskie
Reply
Admin
Enny Shmurin
8 days ago
Reply to Saskie
Hello, unfortunately, we cannot advise on this matter. We recommend seeking local legal advice.
Reply
Damario Smith
6 months ago
Can a employer withhold your wage if they fire you before completing training
Reply
Admin
Enny Shmurin
5 months ago
Reply to Damario Smith
According to the Jamaican Termination and Redundancy Payments Act, an employer cannot withhold the final pay of an employee unless the employee is guilty of misconduct, dishonesty, or other justifiable cause. However, as this is a specific case, I would recommend seeking local legal advise.
Reply
Andrea
5 months ago
Is an employee entitled to serverance pay after 53 years of service.
Reply
Admin
Enny Shmurin
5 months ago
Reply to Andrea
Severance is only required in cases of redundancy, the amount paid will vary depending on the length of service. Termination for other reasons does not entitle the worker to severance pay.
Reply
Lasantia Hutchinson
5 months ago
Am I not entitle to get 2 weeks off after working at a company for 1 year?
And is it a case where I cant get it in the month that I started working?
Reply
Admin
Enny Shmurin
5 months ago
Reply to Lasantia Hutchinson
An employee in Jamaica who has worked for more than 220 days is entitled to 2 weeks of vacation leave.
Reply
Agnes White
5 months ago
Hello,
I resigned during my probation period (after 4 months, my probation was 6 months) . I did not take any vacation days. Am I entitled to get unused vacation days paid off?
Reply
Admin
Enny Shmurin
1 day ago
Reply to Agnes White
Hi, employees start accumulating vacation leave after 110 days of employment.
Reply
Jodi
5 months ago
If an employee reports out for a personal emergency, do they have to tell the employer what that emergency is?
Reply
Admin
Enny Shmurin
1 day ago
Reply to Jodi
Unfortunately, Papaya Global can’t accurately advise on this matter.
Reply
Daphne Burke
5 months ago
My mom has a live in carer in Jamaica who is unqualified and enjoys the benefits of living accommodation, use of utilities ie electric, water, food, cable and internet. My mom is 88 but quite fit and looks after her personal care and helps out around the house, but as she lives on her own and is getting very forgetful she is vulnerable and needs someone around to do her weekly shopping and help out in situations when she cannot manage. The carer gets paid JA$10500.00 per week which is above the average paid to carers as shown online. She is now demanding $13,000 per week as she said new laws require that employer need to pay this amount as the minimum wage. My mom is a pensioner. I read online that if there are benefits this has to be taken into consideration also. Can you please advise.
Reply
Admin
Enny Shmurin
4 months ago
Reply to Daphne Burke
The weekly minimum wage in Jamaica is 13,000 JMD, (based on a 40 hour week). However we canât provide any kind of advise on this query and recommend liaising with a local lawyer to advise on the specific set up.
Reply
Jonoy Johnson
4 months ago
Question, if a company decides to start deduct money from your salary for being late but doesnât inform the workers nor provide a transcript with such information and percentage rate of which deduction will be at, is that ok by law? Meaning do they hold the right not to inform us?
Reply
Admin
Enny Shmurin
4 months ago
Reply to Jonoy Johnson
Deducting money from an employee’s salary for being late in Jamaica can be legally permissible if it is clearly outlined in the employment contract and complies with Jamaican labor laws. We recommend liaising with a local lawyer to advise on the specific set up.
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Teeks
4 months ago
Hi. Iâm pregnant and my signed on hours increased from 8 hrs a day to me working a max of 11 hrs with lunch hr included. Iâve asked for the company to reduce the hours as Iâm not able to maintain it in my current condition. If they fire me, can I sue for unlawful termination?
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Admin
Enny Shmurin
4 months ago
Reply to Teeks
Hi, are you asking if your company can fire you for moving to reduced hours working? We recommend checking this with a local legal advisor, though presumably if the company has agreed to reduced hours then they are aligned with this set up.
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Sashsheena
4 months ago
If u work for a business for one and a half year what should be your compensation after resigning
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Admin
Enny Shmurin
4 months ago
Reply to Sashsheena
Workers are entitled to any remaining salary, earned bonuses and commissions, and unused accrued holidays.
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Shernz
4 months ago
If an employee has major surgery and is required to stay home for 6 weeks, how is this to be treated? considering only 2 weeks is alloted for sick leave in a year
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Admin
Enny Shmurin
4 months ago
Reply to Shernz
The remaining period of leave is unpaid, or can be used with vacation days, unless the company has chosen to create an enhanced policy of paying for longer sick leave.
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Kash
4 months ago
Hey I would like to know if I resign after 4 months of service am I entitled to a back payment of two weeks
Reply
Admin
Enny Shmurin
2 months ago
Reply to Kash
Hi, Jamaica Severance pay is only required in case of termination.
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Kim
4 months ago
Hello, if I work 8 consecutive days across a two weeks period, is that legal in Jamaica based on the labor law? For eg. My days off are Tuesday and Wednesday of the first week and next week my days off are Friday and Saturday
I only worked 40 hours for both weeks but the consecutive days are the issue. This is a private company.
Reply
Admin
Enny Shmurin
4 months ago
Reply to Kim
Full-time employment in Jamaica typically involves working 40 hours per week, which translates to eight hours per day. In Jamaica, all seven days of the week, including Sunday, are now considered working days, and work shifts can extend up to 12 hours in a 24-hour period. The suitability of this arrangement may depend on the worker’s status, whether they are hourly employees or belong to a specific industry. We advise seeking legal advice from local experts and review the contract.
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Shevel
4 months ago
I worked with a company for a little over 3 years in Jamaica. They announced downsizing a few months ago but then last month they told us that the downsizing has stabilized and we are good. But then September 26th they told us that they decided to cut ties with the client that we service, so we will no longer work for that LOB as of the 30th of September. This was only 4 days notice. They reassured us that we will all be placed in different LOBs, and it is not a layoff. It is almost a month now and we have not heard back anything from them with regards to placement. So this would be going on a month without pay. Is this legal?
Reply
Admin
Enny Shmurin
3 months ago
Reply to Shevel
Hello, it’s important to note that salary delays especially due to downsizing, should be handled in accordance with the employment contract, and any collective labor agreement that might be in place.
This is not something we can advise on; we recommend reaching out to HR or whoever your manager reports to. If these channels are not an option, we advise reaching out to a local lawyer to understand your rights OR you can try to reach out to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security in Jamaica.
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Stephanie
4 months ago
Is there a limit as to how many salary advances an employee can take for the year?
Reply
Admin
Enny Shmurin
3 months ago
Reply to Stephanie
I believe it is permitted to take a salary advance up to 3 times per year, though rules could vary depending on industry etc.
Reply
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Payroll and Benefits Guide
in Jamaica
What’s covered in this guide:
- Employer/employee contributions
- Minimum wage
- Working hours
- Visa requirements
And more...
All questions are answered by our in-house compliance department working in conjunction with our local in-country partner for this specific country
Public Holidays Calendar
Jamaica
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| Date | Day | Holiday | Note |
| 1 Jan 2024 | Monday | New Year’s Day | |
| 14 Feb 2024 | Wednesday | Ash Wednesday | |
| 29 Mar 2024 | Friday | Good Friday | |
| 1 Apr 2024 | Monday | Easter Monday | |
| 23 May 2024 | Thursday | Labour Day | |
| 1 Aug 2024 | Thursday | Emancipation Day | |
| 6 Aug 2024 | Tuesday | Independence Day | |
| 21 Oct 2024 | Monday | National Heroes Day | |
| 25 Dec 2024 | Wednesday | Christmas Day | |
| 26 Dec 2024 | Thursday | Boxing Day |
