RECOMMENDATIONS to increase workplace rights for parents and increase Employment Tribunal powers have been presented by the Employment Forum to the Social Security Minister.
The forum, a body consisting of three independent, three employer, and three employee representatives, has suggested increasing parental rights in two stages.
At stage one, parents would be allowed up to 18 weeks’ maternity and adoption leave, and up to two weeks’ paternity leave, with the right to return to work after that. Two of the 18 weeks’ maternity leave would be taken immediately after the birth and would be at full pay from the employer.
They also advise that expectant mothers be entitled to paid time off for essential antenatal appointments. At stage two, employees who have worked for 15 months or more would be entitled to an additional eight weeks maternity or adoption leave, taking the total leave available to 26 weeks. Eight of those weeks would be paid by the States at 100 per cent of pay, up to the social security contributions ceiling as a maximum, for employees who qualify.
• Picture: Social Security Minister Paul Routier
