The Minister for Social Security in Jersey has lodged an amendment to her proposal for the introduction of new family-friendly employment rights. The draft law will be debated on 4 June 2019 and is named the Draft Employment (Amendment No. 11) (Jersey) Law 201-.
The proposals aim to improve the position for parents in the workplace and give families more choice and flexibility to help meet their work and family responsibilities. The proposals also encourage gender balance in childcare roles.
The summary of the proposals are as follows:
- 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.
- Paid leave where necessary on health and safety grounds for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
The introduction of family-friendly employment rights are aimed at contributing both directly and indirectly to the government’s priorities for putting children first and creating a sustainable and skilled future local workforce.