The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has confirmed that the public holiday for Emancipation Day will be observed on Saturday, August 1st 2020.
This is in accordance with the Holidays (Public General) Act, which states that “the 1st day of August (or in case the 1st day of August falls on a Sunday, then the following Monday), which shall be known as Emancipation Day”.
This means the Act only makes provision for a change of the holiday, if the holiday falls on a Sunday.
Emancipation Day marks the end of Slavery across the British Empire on August 1st 1834.
Employees who work on public holidays will be entitled to payment at “double time” rates as provided for under the Minimum Wage Orders or such other rates specified in their collective labour agreements or employment contracts (where applicable).
Source: Jamaica Information Service
