Jamaican workers may face mandatory HIV/Aids testing

Discussions have been going on in Jamaica about whether workers should be tested for HIV/Aids.

Testing has so far been opposed by the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions, reported the Jamaica Observer.

However, in a current case being scrutinised by the Jamaican government one island employer has sent staff for testing.

A national policy on HIV/Aids in the workplace is being discussed by a joint select parliamentary committee at present.

Ministry of Labour and Social Security's director of occupational safety and health Robert Chung said employer testing was "fairly frequent".

Last year the Jamaica Employers Federation (JEF) signed a statement for employee screening, he added.

However, acting JEF director Leroy Brown said testing for HIV/Aids was not an employer policy.

He said: "It is a touchy subject at the moment. We are trying to get across to people that they must become aware and practise safe sex and have themselves tested."

According to USAID Health estimate, 1.5 per cent of the adult population of Jamaica is HIV positive.

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