Finance Minister Dr Nigel Clarke says the complex compensation and allowance system in the public sector is to be overhauled as the government moves apace with transformation of the sector.
Addressing the annual general meeting of the Jamaica Civil Service Association (JCSA) on Friday, Clarke said the complex pay structure was contributing to an escalation of the public sector wage bill.
He said this complex structure also made the wage negotiation process difficult.
“We intend to work with our partners, in a consultative manner, to among other things, overhaul the compensation system resulting in a simpler compensation structure applied across the public sector in a consistent manner, reform the allowance structure in the public sector and develop a modern compensation policy and philosophy that guides the development and management of compensation in the public sector and serves to properly compensate employees, encourage performance and moderate the rate of growth of our total wage bill,” Clarke said.
According to the recently appointed finance minister, transformation of the public sector is a priority for the government.
“The civil service is the single most important institution which affects the lives of Jamaicans. As a result we must ensure that the civil service is efficient and responsive in the provision of services to citizens,” Clarke stressed.
He assured the members of the JCSA that the Government was intent on conducting the transformation process in a fair and consultative manner.
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