KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — The Employment Agencies Regulation Act is being reviewed to ensure that it remains relevant and takes into account new job recruitment practices.

Minister of Labour and Social Security Shahine Robinson made the disclosure during her contribution to the Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on June 28.

The Act, among other things, makes provision for the licensing, regulation and control of employment agencies in the island.

Robinson told the House that the Employment Agencies Unit is also working to enforce the Act and apply punitive sanctions where regulations have been breached.

She noted that while private employment agencies play a vital role in facilitating the placement of thousands of Jamaicans in viable employment opportunities, “there are unscrupulous agencies and persons out there who take advantage of vulnerable jobseekers”.

Robinson told the House that most of the agencies act within the provisions of the law, noting that an up-to-date list of compliant operators is available on the Ministry’s website.