HRMAJ urges Jamaican employers to strengthen protections for workers with long-term illnesses

For workers facing cancer or another long-term illness, the crisis can begin with questions about income, employment and whether an employer will support their return. Dr Cassida Jones-Johnson, president of the Human Resource Management Association of Jamaica, says Jamaican workplaces must address those fears with more than sympathy.

Speaking at the official launch of the 2026 Jamaica Reach to Recovery Pink Run, Jones-Johnson said the urgency behind the campaign’s equipment fundraiser should also push employers to examine their own policies. The event aims to raise $30 million and attract 20,000 participants. Its proceeds will fund a digital mammography machine for the Jamaica Cancer Society, which is needed in six Jamaican parishes that currently have none.

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When someone is initially faced with a long-term illness, some of the questions asked are: How will I continue to earn a living? Will I lose my income while receiving treatment? Will my employer or manager support me? Will I still have a job when I return? How will I manage the emotional stress on myself and my family?

“When someone is initially faced with a long-term illness, some of the questions asked are: How will I continue to earn a living? Will I lose my income while receiving treatment? Will my employer or manager support me? Will I still have a job when I return? How will I manage the emotional stress on myself and my family?” Jones-Johnson said.

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Even where there is not mandated protection, progressive employers are moving beyond sympathy to structured support.

She pointed to countries including Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia, where legislation and long-term health insurance protect employees through serious illness. Jamaica does not mandate equivalent protection, she said. Even so, some employers are moving toward structured support, including confidential counselling through employee assistance programmes.

Jamaica’s public sector provides an EAP and phased leave, while companies including Flow’s parent, Liberty Caribbean, and GraceKennedy have established support systems. Many large companies still handle long-term illness case by case. Jones-Johnson said employers do not need large budgets to help. A leave bank, flexible scheduling and flexible hours can give workers practical support while they undergo treatment.

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EAPs provide confidential counselling and support services that help employees and their families manage emotional, psychological and financial challenges.