Antigua and Barbuda’s government has acknowledged ongoing concerns over employers failing to remit Social Security contributions, despite legal obligations to do so.

During Wednesday’s post-Cabinet media briefing, Director General in the Office of the Prime Minister, Maurice Merchant, confirmed that while deductions are being made from employees’ salaries, some businesses are not transferring those funds to the Social Security Board.

“The inspectors at the scheme have been working tirelessly to ensure that remittances are being paid,” Merchant said, but admitted enforcement remains limited, with current efforts focused on persuasion rather than prosecution.

Employees are being encouraged to inquire about their contribution status, as many only discover discrepancies when applying for benefits or pensions.

“According to the law, if remittances are not made, reports can be filed, and the matter escalated to the courts,” he said. However, he added that the current approach prioritises dialogue and voluntary compliance.

The issue, while not new, remains a major concern for workers, particularly in the private sector, who fear that their long-term benefits could be compromised by employer non-compliance.

When asked whether actual enforcement and prosecutions are taking place, Merchant admitted that such measures are being carried out “on a lesser scale,” as the scheme continues to opt for engagement over sanctions in most cases.

The Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union and other labour representatives have previously called for stronger enforcement measures, including fines and public disclosure of delinquent employers.

The government has not yet signalled whether it plans to shift its approach, but officials say the matter remains under review as part of broader discussions on strengthening public trust in social protection systems.