{
  "id": 8446359,
  "title": "Seprod Layoffs Jamaica Hit 141 Workers Over Sugar Tax and Sales",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/seprod-layoffs-jamaica-hit-141-workers-over-sugar-tax-and-sales",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-19T10:42:24.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Rio Times",
    "slug": "the-rio-times",
    "url": "https://www.riotimesonline.com/seprod-layoffs-jamaica-sugar-tax-2026/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Seprod, a major manufacturer and distributor in Jamaica, announced the temporary layoff of 141 workers at a single factory this week. The company cited a new tax on sugar in drinks and weak sales as the reasons for the layoffs. Seprod is one of the island's largest manufacturers, with a presence in manufacturing, distribution, and export. The tax, which was initially volumetric and then revised to be based on sugar content, is expected to raise J$10.1 billion (approximately US$64.4 million) for the fiscal year. The layoffs are set to last for three weeks and are applied on a rotation basis. Chief executive Richard Pandohie confirmed the move but emphasized that it is temporary and not a redundancy. The tax has been met with mixed reactions, with some arguing that it is a necessary measure to promote public health, while others claim it disproportionately affects low-income individuals. The company's CEO, Richard Pandohie, acknowledged the decline in sales and inventory build-up as contributing factors to the decision.",
  "summary": "The Seprod layoffs Jamaica is debating cover 141 factory workers for three weeks, with the company citing a new sugar tax and falling sales. The post Seprod Layoffs Jamaica Hit 141 Workers Over Sugar Tax and Sales appeared first on The Rio Times .",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}