HRMATT Responds to National Budget 2026: “People, Productivity and Partnership Must Drive Economic Fairness”

Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago — October 15, 2025.

The Human Resource Management Association of Trinidad and Tobago (HRMATT) acknowledges the Government’s 2026 National Budget, themed “T&T First: Building Economic Fairness through Accountable Fiscal Policies.” As the national voice of the HR profession, HRMATT welcomes the Budget’s emphasis on accountability, institutional strengthening, and job creation, noting that these are fundamental to restoring public trust, stimulating employment, and improving national productivity.

Investing in People and Public Sector Modernisation
HRMATT commends the Government’s commitment to restarting public sector wage negotiations, completing the national job evaluation exercise, and regularising contract employment. These measures, when properly implemented, can restore fairness and strengthen performance accountability within the public service. The Association, however, emphasizes that true transformation will require modern HR systems, transparent governance, and leadership accountability — not merely structural changes.

Building a Future-Ready Workforce
The introduction of a $475 million Employment Fund, alongside plans to transition CEPEP and URP workers into sustainable, full-time employment, presents a positive opportunity to tackle underemployment. HRMATT encourages these initiatives to be supported by structured skills development, apprenticeships, and digital literacy programs that align with the future of work. The Association also commends investments in education, TVET, AI training, and digital learning infrastructure, which are critical to preparing youth and professionals for evolving labour market needs.

Driving Productivity Through Digital Transformation
HRMATT welcomes the rollout of the National Digital Payment System and broader digitisation of government services as key enablers of productivity, transparency, and convenience. However, technology investments must be accompanied by change management and workforce readiness strategies to ensure adoption, efficiency, and equity.

Partnership for Sustainable Growth
The Association underscores that sustainable recovery will require tripartite collaboration among Government, Employers, and Labour. HRMATT calls for increased engagement with the National Productivity Council and the establishment of a Human Capital Development Council to create a comprehensive Human Capital Development Strategy, aligning workforce policy, skills development, and economic diversification efforts.

A Balanced View
HRMATT recognizes that the Budget’s direction reflects a people-centred approach, and commends measures to enhance healthcare, housing, and social support systems — all vital for national well-being. The Association also urges continued dialogue and consistent execution to ensure these commitments translate into measurable improvements in job quality, workforce morale, and productivity. HRMATT stands ready to assist and to take part in any collaboration on these matters.

“Economic fairness begins with how we value, equip, and engage our people. Building national productivity requires not only fiscal discipline but also human-centered leadership and partnership,” said the HRMATT Executive.

For further information, contact:

Human Resource Management Association of Trinidad and Tobago (HRMATT)
Phone: 620-9193/687-5523
Email: info@hrmatt.com
Website: www.hrmatt.com
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