Businesses in Barbados are being urged to prepare now for changes to wage-payment requirements under the new Protection of Wages Act, 2026-15, which is expected to come into effect shortly.
To help employers understand the new requirements and prepare for compliance, the Labour Department will host a series of 90-minute seminars on Tuesday, September 15 and Wednesday, September 16, particularly for owners, operators and employers of security firms, day care facilities and nursing homes.
The seminars will address provisions of the new Act that may affect businesses in these sectors, particularly those that currently pay employees monthly despite their contracts or statements of particulars specifying hourly or daily rates of pay.
There is no cost to attend; however, only persons with confirmed registration will be admitted. Employers interested in attending should register by contacting the Labour Department at 535-1525, or 535-1523, or by emailing clo@labour.gov.bb.
The Protection of Wages Act, 2026-15 was recently passed by the Parliament of Barbados and will come into effect on a date to be fixed by proclamation. The Labour Department anticipates that the Act will be proclaimed shortly and is encouraging businesses to make any necessary adjustments to their operations as soon as possible.
Under Section 3 of the new Act, where wages are fixed on an hourly, daily or weekly basis, the entire amount of wages must be paid at least once every week.
Where wages are fixed on a fortnightly basis, the entire amount must be paid at least once every fortnight.
Businesses will be expected to comply with these provisions once the Act is proclaimed.
The Labour Department is, therefore, urging employers to familiarise themselves with the new legislation and take the necessary steps to ensure that their wage payment practices are in keeping with the requirements of the new Act.
