Minister of Labour, Senator Dr. Esther Byer Suckoo. (FP)
Minister of Labour, Social Security and Human Resource Development, Senator Dr. Esther Byer Suckoo, is reminding the Barbadian work force that there is no such thing as an entitlement to 26 weeks’ unemployment benefit.
Addressing stakeholders attending the breakfast meeting to sensitise stakeholders about the proposed transition from the National Employment Bureau (NEB) to the Barbados Employment and Career Counselling Service at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre recently, Senator Byer Suckoo explained that 26 weeks’ unemployment is the maximum only if no job is available.
The Minister added: “Barbados is one of the few countries in the world to have unemployment benefit. In some countries it is still being debated. But we cannot support the abuse of our system. The new and improved NEB will see better counselling and placement and fewer people relying on benefits but instead, having the satisfaction of employment.”
Senator Byer Suckoo said the NEB continued to engage employers and prospective employees in placement and counselling exercises, working with stakeholders to provide guidance to the youth about to enter the workforce.
She also said the staff of the NEB was well placed to advise their clients on career choices, desirable work-related skills and behaviours and training.