All Labour Laws Safety and Health Taxes National Insurance
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Labour Laws What are the employer's responsibilities under the Safety and Health at Work Act? Employers are required to provide and maintain a safe workplace, provide and maintain safe plant and systems of work, ensure the safe use, handling, storage and transport of articles and substances, and provide the information, instruction, training and supervision necessary to keep employees safe. Read answer Labour Laws Can I be dismissed if I request an inspection of my workplace? No. Section 102 of the Safety and Health at Work Act protects employees who request an inspection or raise a safety concern from dismissal or other detriment. Read answer Labour Laws Am I required to provide alternative work if my pregnant employee is unable to conduct her duties? The employer must first conduct a risk assessment to determine the hazards the tasks pose. Where a risk exists, the employer should adjust working conditions or hours, or offer suitable alternative work on no less favourable terms. Read answer Labour Laws What can I do if I think my workplace is unsafe? The employee has the responsibility of informing the employer of unsafe conditions. The employer must investigate and remedy the hazard, and the employee may request an inspection by the Labour Department. Read answer Labour Laws Are employers required to provide drinking water? Yes. The employer must provide an adequate supply of wholesome drinking water at suitable points conveniently accessible to all employees. Read answer Labour Laws Does my workplace need to have a sick bay? A rest room (sick bay) is required at workplaces where 25 or more persons are employed, along with first-aid provisions appropriate to the hazards of the work. Read answer Safety and Health How can I obtain more information on occupational safety and health? The Occupational Safety and Health Section of the Labour Department can be contacted at 535-1523 / 535-1524 or labour@labour.gov.bb. Read answer Safety and Health How do I know if the personal protective equipment (PPE) is suitable? Suitable PPE is appropriate to the risks involved, fits the wearer correctly, is compatible with other equipment worn and complies with recognised standards. Engineering controls, substitution and administrative controls should be considered before relying on PPE. Read answer Safety and Health What are the penalties for violating the general provisions in the Safety and Health at Work Act? A fine of $500 and, if the offence continues, a further fine of $100 for each day the offence continues. Read answer Safety and Health Do employers have to provide personal protective equipment? Yes. The employer must provide protective equipment that is required by, and suited to, the work being done, at no cost to the employee. Read answer Safety and Health What are the employee's rights under the Safety and Health at Work Act? Employees have the right to be informed and trained about hazards, to refuse dangerous work, to participate in safety committees and to be protected from reprisal for raising concerns. Read answer Safety and Health What are the employee's responsibilities under the Safety and Health at Work Act? Employees are required to take reasonable care for the safety of themselves and of other persons who may be affected by their acts or omissions, and to cooperate with the employer on safety matters. Read answer Taxes As a self-employed person, what percentage of my income is subject to personal income tax? With effect from 1 January 2025, the basic rate of 12.5% applies to taxable income up to $50,000 and 28.5% applies to taxable income above that threshold, after allowances. Read answer Taxes Can I pay Personal Income Tax (PAYE) monthly instead of waiting an entire year? Yes. Employers deduct PAYE monthly and remit to the Barbados Revenue Authority. Self-employed persons may make prepayments during the year. Read answer Taxes How to file your Barbados Personal Income Tax Return Before filing, gather your PAYE statements, receipts for allowable deductions and your TAMIS credentials. Returns are filed online through TAMIS by 30 April. Read answer Taxes What do I need to file for a Reverse Tax Credit (RTC)? You must file a return for the year in question. The RTC is available to employed persons earning below the threshold who have filed for the relevant year. Read answer Taxes Who does NOT qualify for a Reverse Tax Credit? Persons earning above the qualifying threshold, persons who did not file a return, and persons who were not resident in Barbados for the year. Read answer Taxes Who qualifies for Reverse Tax Credit (RTC)? Employed or self-employed individuals resident in Barbados whose income falls below the prescribed threshold and who have filed a return for the year. Read answer National Insurance Where should I submit any other claims? All other claims, including sickness, should be submitted via the drop boxes on the northern side of the NIS building or through the NISSS online portal. Read answer National Insurance I am an employee who has been terminated. How should I apply for my unemployment benefit? You must submit your claim within two weeks of becoming unemployed, with your termination letter, national registration and bank details. Read answer National Insurance What about the waiver of the employer portion of the contributions? There is no waiver of the employer portion for those employees who are prepared to remain in employment. Contributions remain payable in full. Read answer National Insurance Will severance still be applicable if a lay-off period is 13 consecutive weeks or 16 weeks in a 26-week period? Yes. An employee laid off for those periods may claim severance under the Severance Payments Act, subject to the qualifying conditions. Read answer National Insurance How will holiday pay be treated now that I am laid off? If the employee is laid off without an accrued date of re-employment, holiday pay should be settled at the point of lay-off. Read answer National Insurance I am a vendor. How do I collect my $600 monthly from the NIS? The programme is being facilitated by the Ministry of Housing, Lands and Rural Development. Vendors should register through the Ministry, not the NIS directly. Read answer
