Robotham calls for more time for workplaces to implement sexual harassment policy

By Kimone Witter    

 

President of the St. Catherine Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Dennis Robotham, is calling for more time for public and private sector entities to implement sexual harassment policies in workplaces.

 

The entities have until June 30 to become compliant.

 

But Mr. Robotham says some businesses are still in the dark about the consequences of breaching the law.

 

He adds that small and medium sized businesses may not have access to legal advice to develop their policies.

 

"Even when I speak to some of our business, they are knowledgeable in that there's some law being brought into force. But they are not totally aware because, you know, I don't think it is that publicised or the education platform is not wide enough for them to understand the ramifications of it. So that's why I'm saying we need a little more time to ensure that, you know, everybody is on board," he said, adding that workers would also benefit from more time to understand the policy. 

 

Mr. Robotham is proposing an additional four months to get businesses compliant. 

 

He also suggested that the government consider offering a policy template to assist those firms which are struggling to interpret the provisions of the law. 

 

Mr. Robotham, who was a guest Wednesday on TVJ's Smile Jamaica, added that more meetings with businesses and greater education is needed.