Jonathan Joseph says people remain on the government’s job programmes for too long

Senator Jonathan Joseph has criticised the government’s job programmes, describing them as unsustainable and calling for greater private sector involvement to address the issue.

Speaking during the Appropriation Bill debate, he argued that the programmes place an undue financial burden on taxpayers and fail to create lasting employment opportunities.

“It is not fair for individuals to remain on the job programme and work in private businesses year in, year out, at the expense of the taxpayers,” Senator Joseph said.

He suggested that after six months, the private sector should evaluate the performance of workers and consider hiring them permanently. “I have no problem if the business writes to the relevant government agency to say, ‘Hey, look, this is the performance, and with another extension, they will grasp the skills,’ but the private sector should seek to absorb these individuals,” he said.

Senator Joseph also noted the strain these programmes place on government finances. “Our wage bill is high—it is what it is—but as much as possible, the private sector must play a greater role in absorbing the workforce,” he said.

While acknowledging the importance of providing opportunities through job programmes, Senator Joseph argued that they should not become long-term solutions.

“As a government, we want to ensure that these programmes help individuals transition into the private sector and reduce their reliance on the state,” he said.

The government has yet to respond to Senator Joseph’s remarks.

Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]