The Jamaica Employer’s Federation (JEF), while welcoming the increase in the employment rate, says the focus should now be on whether it can be accelerated.

Data from the Statistical Institute of Jamaica show that 20,000 new jobs have been created in the country since the start of the year.

That increased the number of people working to a record 1,226,000 .

JEF President David Wan says the movement can be maintained if certain big projects are implemented.

“I just heard Ed Bartlett (tourism minister) saying there is another one thousand room hotel about to break ground. I see the projects on the horizon, the divestment of goods and wind farm will happen shortly. They are also preparing the National Water Commission for some sort of privitization , so I think it will continue and I think it’s the right trend and we are seeing this in a very positive light.”