Earlier this week, the Employment Forum recommended changes to the Employment Law which would, by 2019, entitle both parents to 52 weeks of parental leave, six weeks of which would be fully paid by their employer.
At present, mothers are entitled to up to 18 weeks’ maternity leave, two of which are fully paid, while two weeks’ unpaid parental leave is available for the father or partner.
Deputy Susie Pinel, who is due to lodge a proposition based on the recommendations in the coming weeks, said that she did not know whether she would accept all of the forum’s proposals, which were outlined in a 72-page report.
But she added that she is aiming to lodge a proposition soon so it can be debated before the general election in May.
‘I would hope to be able to do something before the end of January, if we are going to get anything passed by the States before the next election,’ she said. ‘The work is nowhere near over yet. It was a long report and there is a lot to get through. We are going to talk and consult with people before we come to a decision.’
She added: ‘What comes forward now has to be pertinent and has to be right for Jersey.’
The minister praised the Employment Forum members, who also hold full-time jobs, for their work in producing a ‘very detailed’ report.
‘The Employment Forum has done a fantastic job producing this report,’ she said. ‘They have had all the minimum wage stuff to deal with this year as well and they have done a great job.’
Following the publication of the recommendations, concerns have been raised over the impact that the proposed new paternal rights may have on small businesses, who may be unable to afford to pay or replace staff who take large periods of leave.
However, Deputy Louise Doublet, a long-term campaigner for more paternal rights, said that the move for equal leave for each parent is more reflective of modern society.
