PIOJ Growth-Inducement Strategy - Planning Institute of Jamaica
PIOJ Growth-Inducement Strategy - Planning Institute of Jamaica
PIOJ Growth-Inducement Strategy - Planning Institute of Jamaica
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new jobs, new products and services or improved efficiencies. A consolidated approach<br />
to Science and Technology, Research and Development will have a major impact on<br />
advancing <strong>Jamaica</strong>’s economic progress.<br />
5.0 Systemic Areas for Transformation<br />
There are various areas <strong>of</strong> operation across the public sector that could achieve greater<br />
efficiencies and cost effectiveness with the introduction <strong>of</strong> new approaches to<br />
governance, reengineering <strong>of</strong> business processes, modification to existing structures and a<br />
pragmatic approach to human resource management within the public sector.<br />
6.0 Human Resource Management Issues under Review<br />
6.1 Pension Reforms<br />
The current cost for public sector pension is approximately $14.2 billion for the period<br />
2009/2010 and a projected $25 billion for 2010/2011. As the public sector population<br />
increases in size for retirement, the escalating cost to government is untenable and<br />
unsustainable. The urgency to implement a defined contribution system is obvious, if we<br />
are to stem the trajectory on which the pension costs is now proceeding. There is an<br />
urgent need to establish the provisions within the Public Sector that will provide for new<br />
recruits entering the system, to be participants in a Defined Contributory Pension Scheme<br />
that would alleviate the stress on resources in the medium and long term.<br />
6.2 Leave Entitlements<br />
The Leave entitlements for new entrants to the Public Sector should be stated as 15 days<br />
vacation leave, three days casual (departmental) leave and ten days sick leave. The<br />
treatment <strong>of</strong> leave entitlements generally, must be negotiated with the Unions and an<br />
acceptable mechanism identified on how outstanding leave is to be treated. Bearing in<br />
mind the cost implications, this should be treated as a matter <strong>of</strong> urgency.<br />
6.3 Compensation Policy Review<br />
The success <strong>of</strong> a true transformation <strong>of</strong> the Public Sector relies significantly on the<br />
treatment <strong>of</strong> the Sector’s human resources. At the heart <strong>of</strong> this effort, is the issue <strong>of</strong> how<br />
people are compensated and rewarded. It is therefore necessary that an effective<br />
compensation policy be determined which directs the manner in which people are<br />
attracted, paid and rewarded. A comprehensive review <strong>of</strong> the current compensation<br />
policy and practices is therefore recommended.<br />
7.0 Shared Corporate Services<br />
Shared Corporate Services constitute ‘back <strong>of</strong>fice’ operations that are central to the<br />
operations <strong>of</strong> all Ministries, Departments and Agencies <strong>of</strong> government, which are<br />
handled centrally to allow for the individual entities to focus on their core functions.<br />
Inherent in the model is the purchasing <strong>of</strong> services from a central group, obliged to<br />
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