Union wants removal of 'backward' mental illness clause from employment contracts

The Government is being urged to remove a clause from its employment contracts which allows it to dismiss an employee without notice or payment in lieu of notice if they "become of unsound mind”.

The call is being made by the Union of Clerical Administrative and Supervisory Employees (UCASE), which says the clause is "outdated, backward and discriminatory".

The union is also urging the private sector to take a similar step.

"We see this clause as one which should be removed from all employment arrangements. A more enlightened view of mental health challenges should be adopted in keeping with medical advancements," UCASE said.

UCASE is calling for the ministers of health, finance, labour and social security to consult with mental health experts, trade unions and the Jamaica Employers Federation to begin the process of making the required changes.

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