Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) wants persons placed through the 1000 Jobs in 1000 Days programme to show real commitment. Photo: VINO

Getting registered for the 1000 Jobs in 1000 Days employment initiative at Central Administration Complex on Wickham’s Cay 1, Tortola, today, August 21, 2019. Photo: VINO

The 1000 Jobs in 1000 Days employment initiative was launched at Central Administration Complex on Wickham’s Cay 1, Tortola, on August 21, 2019. Photo: Facebook

“Because your Government appreciates that a business has to run like a business and wastage is a drain on the bottom line. Simply put, when you go to work, work,” Hon Fahie urged the more than 200 persons at the job programme launch at Central Administration Complex on Wickham’s Cay I.

According to Premier Fahie, persons placed through the job programme and other initiatives must show real commitment.

“They must make the effort to perform according to expectations. This is why there will be monitoring, as I said before, of employees and employers in the programme.”

Incentives for employers

Premier Fahie also reiterated his earlier promise that Government will offer an incentive to businesses to pay 10% of the annual salary costs in the first year of the programme for all VIslanders and Belongers employed by the businesses and undergo training.

“In the case of employees who are retained for one year or more, government will be paying a one off rebate to the employee of 10% of the employees annual salary up to a ceiling at the end of the employees [first year of] engagement as an incentive to the business to hire our Virgin Islanders and Belongers.

“I look forward to paying 1000 such rebates,” Hon Fahie stated.

Meanwhile, Government will also seek to prepare the participants of the job programme ahead of being employed by requiring them to participate in a one week boot camp which will provide training and other forms of preparations for the world of work.

Expectations from Employers

One the other hand, Premier Fahie said he expects that employers will provide some more measure of on the job training where possible and where applicable.

“I also expect that employers will play a supporting role in helping their charges to succeed and not just for the sake of having them complete the one year. There should be regular performance reviews as is normal human resource management practice. There should be periodic verbal feedback and written feedback on performance, along with advice on how the employee can improve.”

He also said the employer should also look at whatever training can be recommended to assist the employee in becoming better in the role.

“I know this can sound a bit burdensome, especially for a company that is volunteering into the programme but I am not asking you to do anything beyond your means,” Premier Fahie said as he argued that the more persons employers “train” the less idle hands around and a greater reduction in crime and social ills.

“It is a win win for everyone.”