Jersey has enhanced its parental leave legislation, ensuring that all working parents are entitled to 52 weeks of parental leave, with six weeks to be paid by the employer.
From 28 June 2020, the legislation will see parental leave double from the current 26-week entitlement, enabling parents to take a full year of leave if they wish to do so.
The legislation is also introducing workplace rights for breastfeeding and requiring employers to take reasonable steps to provide breastfeeding facilities for new mothers.
Due to the financial ramifications of Covid-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, Judy Martin, deputy minister for social security, is proposing an additional temporary scheme to support employees whereby the government funds the cost of an employee taking leave during the pandemic.
Martin said: "To put children first, we have to look after parents and support them to spend time with their child during the first crucial year of their life. This legislation, along with the interim subsidy scheme, allows us to care for families while also supporting businesses until the permanent regulations are in place.”
