Family-Friendly Employment Rights – Draft Regulations lodged
12.Feb.2019
The second stage of the Employment Forum’s recommendation (Amendment 11 to the Employment Law) is now lodged with the States Assembly. The details of this amendment are set out below:
- 52 weeks of parental leave (combining maternity, adoption and parental leave) for all parents, including surrogate parents;
- Time off work to attend appointments for adoptive and surrogate parents;
- Breastfeeding rights – breaks and workplace facilities; and
- Paid leave where necessary on health and safety grounds for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
These changes are due to be debated on 26 March 2019, which may mean challenges or amendments prior to coming into force from 1 September 2019.
07.Feb.2018
A significant overhaul of existing family-friendly legislation is to be debated by the Jersey States Assembly following recommendations from the Employment Forum late last year. Yesterday, Susie Pinel, Social Security Minister, lodged draft regulations to be considered by the Jersey States Assembly on 20 March.
Under current legislation:
- mothers are entitled to 18 weeks’ of maternity leave, two weeks’ of which are on full pay from their employer and the remainder is unpaid; this is subject to the employer’s discretion, as some employers do opt to pay for more time off;
- fathers are entitled to two weeks’ unpaid paternity leave from their employer; and
- only mothers can request flexible working from their employer.
- maternity, adoption and paternity leave is increased to 26 weeks for both parents;
- the employer’s paid portion of maternity leave is raised from two to six weeks;
- fathers are provided with paid time off for ante-natal appointments;
- paid parental leave of two weeks is introduced for fathers or partner of the child’s mother;
- paid adoption leave of six weeks is introduced; and
- all employees have the right to request flexible working.
*Deputy Pinel said “I have accepted all of the forum’s recommendations for changes to the Employment Law which are intended to improve the position of both parents in the workplace, give families more choice and flexibility and to encourage gender balance in childcare roles.”
These potential changes to the Employment Law would come into force in September of this year and 2019.
So what does this mean for you as an employer? Call HR Jersey Limited for a discussion now!