The new regime, which will come into force on 28 June, will see an increase in entitlement up to 52 weeks’ leave for all parents after the birth of a child, the first six weeks of which would be paid for by employers.
Yesterday, States Members heavily backed an Appointed Day Act to bring the legislation into force, having previously approved it in principle last year. A total of 36 Members approved the act, while two opposed it. There were three abstentions. Deputy Rowland Huelin and Constable Mike Jackson voted against the proposition.
There had been calls, including from the Chamber of Commerce, for the legislation to be delayed, so that businesses affected by the economic havoc caused by the
pandemic could have more time to prepare. One group making such a call was the Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel, chaired by Deputy Kirsten Morel, which wrote a letter to Social Security Minister Judy Martin requesting the introduction of the legislation to be postponed. But during yesterday’s sitting, Deputy Martin dismissed the calls, pointing out that families had also suffered during the crisis.
‘When would be a good time for this to happen? People are waiting for this and they want this knowledge that they can have their time off with their children,’ she said. ‘If people don’t vote this through today, we don’t have any certainty for children, babies and the families, who are going through a lot at this time as well.’
She added that the debate on the legislation had already taken place and had resulted in the States approving the new rights.
The legislation was initially approved in October last year, with Members agreeing to review the move in two years’ time after concerns were raised about the potential impact of the changes on employers.
Also during yesterday’s sitting, Deputy Morel’s proposition to regulate privately sold or provided Covid-19 tests was unanimously approved by Members.
Explaining his proposals, the backbencher said that his aim was to give a ‘basic level’ of protection to Islanders who used private vendors.
A regulatory framework will now be set up for both PCR tests and antibody-detecting ‘serology’ tests.
Other proposals passed yesterday included two propositions lodged by External Relations Minister Ian Gorst relating to Jersey meeting international tax transparency rules and EU regulations on airspace safety.
