The Ministry engages in wide ranging programmes that affect labour market policy both at home and abroad. Such activities include Trinidad and Tobago's seat on the International Labour Organisation.

Labour Administration activities began in Trinidad and Tobago in 1919 with the passage of the Employment Exchange Act (Ordinance). However, it was the recommendation of the Commissions of Inquiry established to investigate the causes of labour disturbances in the Caribbean in the nineteen-thirties which finally caused the colonial governments of the region to establish full-fledged labour departments. These agencies were designed to provide employment exchange facilities, labour inspection services (wages and other conditions of service as well as occupational safety and health) and conciliation services.

On the attainment of independence in Trinidad and Tobago, as elsewhere in the region, the Labour Department became the Ministry of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development - often in combination with another or other major portfolio subjects. Before adopting its current name, The Ministry of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development, previous names for the Ministry included- 1) Ministry of Labour and Social Security, 2) Ministry of Labour, Social Security, and Co-operatives, 3) Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Manpower Resources, 4) Ministry of Energy, Labour, Employment, and Manpower Resources.

The Ministry's head office is currently housed at Levels 5 & 6, Tower C, International Waterfront Complex, Wrightson Road, Port of Spain.