Deputy Labour Commissioner at the Department of Labour and Workforce Development, Mrs. Michelle McLean said in order to be deemed satisfactory by the department, job vacancy advertisements should list the following information:

1. The employer/business name (as listed on its valid trade licence)

2. Reliable contact information (i.e. telephone number and email address)

3. Job title

4. Duties of the position (i.e. brief or detailed)

5. Any other information deemed necessary by the employer

Mrs. McLean said her department is no longer accepting advertisements that do not satisfy its requirements and is urging employers to present their job vacancies to the Workforce Development Unit at the department before submitting new work permit applications, as there may be suitable qualified candidates registered in the Applicant Pool for consideration.

The Deputy Labour Commissioner is urging employers and media outlets to adhere to the established job vacancy advertisement requirements in effect since January 2019, as it is in the best interest of all parties involved. She added that the submission process for job vacancies should be followed to facilitate the efficient processing of work permit applications.

“Often times, job vacancies are published without the proper contact details for a job seeker to reach the potential employer being listed,” Mrs. McLean said, adding, “The Department of Labour and Workforce Development assists BVIslanders/Belongers in finding appropriate employment as well as assists persons with résumé writing, interviewing techniques, job decorum and performance, and job placement.”

The Department of Labour and Workforce Development remains committed to ensuring that the needs of the workforce are met, and that BVIslanders/Belongers are given first preference to all jobs available in the Territory.