Preliminary talks are underway on the potential introduction of an unemployment benefits programme in Anguilla, Premier Cora Richardson Hodge has confirmed.
The premier, who also serves as labour minister, said that while discussions are still at an early stage, the initiative could provide vital support for local workers facing job losses.
Speaking during a government press conference on 15 September, Richardson Hodge said she had spoken with the chair and some members of the Anguilla Social Security Board on the topic.
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Previously the board has been responsible for providing support to those who have lost jobs due to “external shocks” such as Hurricane Irma or COVID-19, the premier explained.
“On those two occasions, especially our hotel sector would have been crippled – as a result of that, the unemployment rate at that time on both occasions was high,” she said.
“Social Security had to step in the gap to be able to provide some sort of relief for the people of Anguilla.”
The Anguilla Social Security Board is the statutory body responsible for administering the island’s social security system, providing benefits such as pensions, sickness, maternity and employment injury support.
It is funded through contributions from employers, employees and the self-employed, with the aim of promoting social protection and financial security for residents.
Employees currently contribute 5% of their gross earnings, and employers match that with 5% – the self-employed contribute 8% of their earnings.
There is currently no permanent support from the board for unemployed – except when introduced in times of crisis.
“We do believe it’s time to create a system where our persons who have to undergo such a situation will be able to tap into an unemployment system,” Richardson Hodge said.
“So we are keen to to look at that programme and see how we can be implemented.”
