PwC AI Jobs Report Flags Skills Shift as GSAJ Urges Jamaica Workforce Investment

Employers are placing greater weight on abilities that artificial intelligence cannot easily replace, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers' 2026 AI Jobs Barometer, a finding with direct bearing on how Jamaican companies approach hiring and digital change.

Hugh Thompson, director and digital transformation consultant at PwC Jamaica, said: "AI is increasing the importance of uniquely human capabilities." He added: "Employees will need to combine AI literacy with critical thinking, communication, leadership, and sound judgment."

The report reviewed more than one billion job advertisements across 27 countries and territories. Positions requiring AI-related skills are growing nearly eight times faster than the overall labour market. Workers with those skills command a 62 per cent wage premium globally, while firms most exposed to AI are recording sharper productivity gains — up to 163 per cent among leading organisations compared with much smaller increases elsewhere.

Wayne Sinclair, president of the Global Services Association of Jamaica (GSAJ), has urged the Government to slow job losses in the business process outsourcing sector. Gloria Henry, JP, a GSAJ director and former association president, backed the call. She said: "Jamaica global services sector, it's now time for Jamaica to invest strategically in the future skills our people need to complete globally." Henry also said: "We can no longer rely on being solely an English-speaking destination, nearshore destination. If we are serious about building a digital economy, we must prepare our people with the skills to compete, innovate, and succeed."

Yonyi Epstein, CD, founder and chief executive of ITEL and a GSAJ director, said Jamaica must become more visible again in the international marketplace. The association argued that bold national action could reverse recent layoffs, protect existing investments, attract new opportunities, and build the next generation of careers in global services.

On the Jamaica Stock Exchange for 7 July 2026, Sagicor Select Funds Limited (Financial) was the most actively traded security, with 4,128,580 units changing hands — 22.92 per cent of market sales activity. TransJamaican Highway Limited saw 3,746,098 units traded, or 20.80 per cent of sales. Pan Jamaica Group Limited recorded 3,450 units, representing 16.66 per cent of market sales activity. Trading stayed concentrated in real estate, transportation, and distribution plays, pointing to continued interest in dividend-producing and strategic assets.

Bank of Jamaica data for the same date showed brisk foreign exchange activity across major currencies. The US dollar sold at J$159.33 and was bought at J$158.15. The Canadian dollar sold at J$111.14 and was bought at J$110.13. Sterling remained volatile, with the pound selling at J$211.61 — a movement firms managing import costs, debt servicing, or overseas exposure were advised to watch closely.

Separately, financial advisers note that inflation can weigh on credit scores when living costs rise faster than incomes, pushing households to rely on credit to cover essentials. Higher card balances, increased utilisation, and minimum-only payments can signal greater risk to lenders even when bills are paid on time. Protective steps include paying every bill on schedule, keeping balances low, reviewing credit reports for errors, avoiding unnecessary new debt, and building an emergency fund over time.