The issue of contract employment will again take centre stage, as the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions gears-up to make representation on behalf of workers, this year.

President of the umbrella group, Helene Davis Whyte, warns that the continued use of fixed term contracts will become a strain on the government, as more of the aging population will need state assistance.

She says the JCTU will be pushing for legislation on the matter to safeguard the interest of workers.

Trade unions, the Opposition and workers have lamented the use of contract employment, noting that scores of workers have been exploited through its use, and are prevented from accessing certain benefits.

The government had said it would be engaging stakeholders on the issue.

In the meantime, the JCTU will be lobbying the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (Statin) to release data on workers at the lower end of the pay scale, to determine the true impact of inflation on these workers.