Government signs US $7Mil contracts for compensation review and introduction of shared corporate services

The Government has signed two US million dollars contracts for public sector compensation review and introduction of shared corporate services. Permanent secretaries are said to have agreed to a performance based pay, as part of their compensation package. The Minister of Finance and the public service, Dr Nigel Clarke says the projects are aimed at improving internal efficiencies in the sector.

There are approximately 325 separate salary scales in central government and over 185 allowances.

The contracts were signed with international consulting firm Ernest and Young Jamaica Limited and is expected to assist in fostering a more effective public sector system in Jamaica. While describing the structure of public sector compensation as being complicated and layered, the finance minister says the current structure of compensation in the the public sector has been an issue. Under this compensation review which is valued at US $1.6 million, consultants will also develop a proposal for a pay for performance and reward framework.

The contract for the introduction of shared corporate services is valued at US $5.4 million and will enable shared services across seven areas of operation – human resource management, finance and accounts, procurement , asset management, information and communication technology, internal audit, public relations and communication.

Both projects will begin in January 2020 and expected to be completed within 2 years.