Deputy Premier and Minister for Labour and Workforce Development Hon Lorna G. Smith (AL) says significant progress has been made towards modernizing the operations of the Department of Labour and Workforce Development with technical preparations being made for the implementation of a new Labour Management System. Photo: VINO/File

Hon Lorna G. Smith added that a wide cross-section of approximately 33 employers have been on board from Tortola, and approximately 27 employers on Virgin Gorda, which helped to fine-tune the system's functionality and address any initial challenges before its full rollout to the public. Photo: GIS/File

The system is being implemented in collaboration with the Department of Information Technology and consultants and Hon Smith said the preparations were a precursor to the pilot phase, where selected employers were to be on boarded on to the system, as part of the rigorous testing that is being undertaken.

Honourable Smith added that a wide cross-section of approximately 33 employers have been on board from Tortola, and approximately 27 employers on Virgin Gorda, which helped to fine-tune the system's functionality and address any initial challenges before its full rollout to the public. 

Information from the ministry has indicated that the department is preparing to visit Jost Van Dyke and Anegada during the week of June 17 to onboard employers from those islands.

Approx 500 employee records in the system 

The Department in a release said approximately 500 employee records have been added to the system so far, and this is expected to reach close to 1,000 by the end of June.

Honourable Smith said some teething issues, the transformative impact of the Labour Management System will advance the Territory's Labour administration infrastructure with the system having the potential to significantly reduce work permit application turnaround times and enhance accessibility for both employers and jobseekers.

Hon Smith shared that the indication is that employers who have entered the requisite information when creating their employee records, will be able to have their work permit applications renewed within two weeks or less.  It is also anticipated that applications for new permits will be concluded within four weeks.