Demand by foreign employers for Jamaican workers has began to slow, including in the leisure market, where American-based hotels are seeing a decline in bookings linked to the economic downturn.

Last year, 12,060 persons were allotted jobs, 2,000 fewer than in 2007, or a drop of 14 per cent.

Consequently, remittances from workers, too, have fallen.

Demand for farm workers

However, there is still a demand for farm workers, particularly in Canada.

Last year, through a more diversified market, Canada employed Jamaicans as mushroom harvesters, construction workers, window cleaners, fast-food workers, janitors, practical nurses, welders, pipe fitters, seafood packers and farmhands.

"One area in which we need to train our workers is crane operating. We have demand for this and it is on the increase in Canada," said director of the overseas employment unit, Doreen Moodie.

The hourly rate for workers differs from province to province, but some workers can earn as much as CDN$30 per hour, especially if they pass the Canadian Red Seal examination for tradesmen.

"Once they do the Red Seal examination and succeed, they are paid at the same rate as Canadian tradesmen," she said.

With some 11 per cent of Jamaica's working population unemployed, according to the Statistical Institute of Jamaica, the demand for jobs overseas is high.

"If we announce that we need 50 workers, we get 400 applications," Moodie said.

"The last time we had a selection, it was like a riot. People were almost standing on top of each other, asking for application forms."

Last year, farm workers remitted more J$1.4 billion, but that was down from J$1.7 billion in 2007.

The remittances represent one fifth or 20 per cent of workers pay, which is returned to the island as mandatory savings.

avia.ustanny@gleanerjm.com

Remittances ($b)	2007	2008
Canada	$732.6	$727.8
US Farm
Work	$400.2	$461.7
US Hotel	$584.8	$265.1
Total	$1,717.6	$1,454.6
Source: Ministry of Labour

Overseas Employment Programme Statistical Report

Workers Per Programme 2008 2007

Canadian Programme6,345 6,121

U.S. Hotel Workers (H2B)

1,733 4,074

J-1 Programme (Summer)

88 -

U.S. Farm Workers (H2A)

3,894 3,918

Total Workers

12,060 14,037

Source: Overseas Employment Programme, Ministry of Labour