The Fiji Government is proposing a complete restoration of the mandatory National Training and Productivity Centre (NTPC) levy paid by employers, as part of the Work Care Bill (2024). This proposal was outlined during a public consultation held in Savusavu by the Ministry of Employment, which is currently conducting nationwide discussions regarding changes to the Employment Relations Act (2007) and the Work Care Bill.

Annually, employers contribute one percent of their total salary bill to the NTPC, which can be claimed for staff training at the Fiji National University (FNU). However, a directive issued in 2019 by former attorney-general Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum redirected a significant portion of this levy. Specifically, 50 percent went to a trust fund for the previous government’s General Practitioners Scheme, 40 percent was allocated to the Accident Compensation Commission Fiji (ACCF) for workmen’s compensation, and a mere 10 percent was reserved for training grants.

Last year, the 50 percent directed to the General Practitioners Scheme was restored to the NTPC, but employers have been advocating for a full restoration of the remaining 40 percent that continues to go to ACCF. The Ministry responded by explaining that while this 40 percent will be maintained for employment and school accidents, it will now be managed under the new Work Care fund proposed in the Bill, rather than through the Ministry of Finance’s Consolidated Fund Account.

The proposed Work Care Bill aims to retain the “no fault” accident compensation scheme similar to the current Accident Compensation Act (2017), thereby ensuring that employers and workers continue to receive support in case of workplace accidents. During the consultations, inquiries arose regarding whether accidents that occur while commuting to work would be covered under the Bill. The Employment Ministry clarified that motor vehicle accidents would still be processed by the ACCF under the existing legislation.

This public consultation process started in the Western Division and will continue across various locations including Nausori, Suva, and Navua, facilitating dialogue between the government and stakeholders.

The ongoing review of labor laws, reflected in both the Work Care Bill and the amendments to the Employment Relations Act, represents a pivotal moment for employers and employees in Fiji. It underscores the importance of inclusive dialogue and feedback from the business community, which can potentially lead to balanced regulations that foster economic growth while ensuring adequate protections for workers.

This cooperative approach to legislative reform offers hope for establishing a workforce framework that benefits all parties involved, paving the way for a thriving economic environment in Fiji’s future.