JLP good for jobs, PNP better for the poor

More Jamaicans believe the governing Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) is better at providing jobs when the two parties are compared but that the opposition People’s National Party (PNP) does a better job of looking after the poor.

When asked which party they felt would do a better job providing jobs for the people, in the latest RJRGLEANER-commissioned Don Anderson public opinion poll, 35 per cent of respondents said the JLP while 32 per cent said the PNP.

Twenty per cent said they were not sure and 13 per cent said neither of the two parties.

The poll was conducted between January 30 and February 12 among 1,201 registered voters aged 18 and over across all parishes. The margin of error is plus or minus three per cent at the 95 per cent confidence level.

It comes as the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) reported in January that the country’s unemployment rate fell to a new record low of 3.5 per cent as at October 2024.

The figure represents a decrease from the previous record of 3.6 per cent in July 2024 based on STATIN’s Labour Force Surveys for both months, showcasing a positive trend in job creation and economic stability.

The labour force grew to 1,468,300 individuals, with more Jamaican men gaining employment. They accounted for 53.7 per cent of the total labour force, with women holding down the other 46.3 per cent.

PARTICIPATION RATE

The overall participation rate was 68.1 per cent, indicating strong engagement in the workforce.

In early February, Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness noted that one of the most telling signs of a strong economy is its ability to generate jobs. He stated that Jamaica had made significant strides in this area.

The prime minister noted that Jamaica currently enjoys historically low unemployment, with near full employment.

The parliamentary Opposition has argued, however, that historically, these jobs have been low-skill and low-wage, particularly within the business process outsourcing sector. Opposition Spokesperson on Finance Julian Robinson said this has hindered Jamaica’s potential.

“While these roles have provided employment opportunities, they cannot serve as the foundation for a robust and resilient economy. To advance, Jamaica must pivot towards a future that prioritises value-added exports,” said Robinson.

Meanwhile, 38 per cent of those polled believe that the PNP is likely to do a better job looking after the poor. This is compared to the 30 per cent who said the JLP, while 19 per cent said they were not sure and 13 per cent said neither party.

editorial@gleanerjm.com