By the Caribbean Journal staff

Barbadians are being urged to pay attention to labour laws as Christmas approaches, according to Labour Officer Yvette Walcott-Dennis.

“The Labour Department has recognised that the holiday season is not only about good cheer but also lots of hard work, longer opening hours and, ultimately, overtime,” she said. “Therefore, we are asking employers and employees, particularly those in the distributive sector, to be aware of labour legislation and guidelines at this time.”

According to the Shops Act, assistants at shops must not be paid less than $5 per hour, and Walcott-Dennis also noted that while overtime is not required, it is encouraged.