The Ministry of Labour is to embark on a major drive to increase the number of persons who contribute to the National Insurance Scheme, NIS.
Under the law, all working persons are required to contribute to the NIS.
However, Labour Minister Derrick Kellier says of the estimated 1.2 million employed persons, a little over 400,000 are contributors to the NIS.
Mr. Kellier says the Ministry will go on an aggressive public relations campaign over the next few months, to encourage all working persons to contribute to the NIS, and to inform them of the benefits.
In the meantime, Mr. Kellier says given the increase in the population over the last two decades, accompanied by the rise in life expectancy, the Government has paid out huge sums from the NIS.
Payments currently stand at J$14b versus J$11b in contributions.
Mr. Kellier says if there is an increase in contributors the J$3b shortfall can be filled.
This will also reduce the need to tap into the National Insurance Fund to fill the gap.
The Fund now stands at nearly J$70b.
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Ministry of Labour seeking to increase number of NIS contributors
