If you have lost your job there are several initiatives which will help you in this time of economic crisis.

Here are some tips from the Ministry of Labour and Faith St. Catherine, counsellor with the Women's Resource and Outreach Centre.


· Explore business ideas with the University of Technology (UTECH) Entrepreneurial Centre, HEART Trust NTA or the Jamaica Business Development Corporation.

· Get certified through HEART Trust NTA/NCTVET for skills for which there are job openings locally and abroad.

· Check vacancies registered with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and also ask about their job finding services.

· Don't sit and wait for a job to come to you. Walk and ask. If you belong to a church tell everyone in the church you are seeking work.

· People are not very comfortable employing people they don't know. Advertise the fact that you are seeking work by telling everyone you know. Network in your community clubs and associations as well.

· You can also try volunteering because this can lead to full time employment. If you pass by a shop and you see the shelf dusty, offer to clean it and you might get paid.

· Avoid employment agencies which may only take your money without providing you with a job. Many people are sent by these agencies to Spanish town and Portmore and they find empty lots or business people who know nothing about any job.

· The Government's PATH programme (contact the Ministry of Labour) will register those who are the sole bread winners for their homes and who are unemployed. However, getting help by this means can take up to three months.

· The Government's Poor Relief department provides some support to those who are unemployed.

*avia.ustanny@gleanerjm.com