By: Spokesman Newsroom
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Friday 28th May 2021) — The Department of Labour is appealing to employers in St. Kitts and Nevis to safeguard the employment status of — and continue paying wages and salaries to — workers who have been ordered into quarantine. Labour Commissioner Shernel James’ notice was read by COVID-19 Task Force Chairman Abdias Samuel at the NEOC briefing on Wednesday 26th May 2021.
The notice stated: “The Department of Labour asks that employers preserve the employment of individuals so affected, and where possible continue to pay wages and salaries in full, or up to at least 35%, as quarantine workers may be able to claim sickness benefits in accordance with Schedule 8 Part 3 Section 9:2 of the Social Security Act.” The Department also strongly encouraged employers to insist that all staff members adhere to COVID-19 safety protocols. Minister of Labour Wendy Phipps indicated that the Ministry of Labour, in collaboration with the Attorney General’s office, was preparing a document applicable to the Social Security Act, the Quarantine Act, the Public Health Act, and the COVID-19 Control and Prevention Act to address quarantine and isolation employment arrangements.