Jersey's Maternity & Paternity Leave could be increased

New parents could be entitled to more time off work.

The Employment Forum has recommended several improvements to family friendly rights provided in the Employment Law.

Paid maternity and paternity leave could increase from 2 weeks to 6 weeks in Jersey.

If the recommendations are accepted, several other changes could also be seen:

• Time off to attend antenatal appointments for fathers and partners.

• Time off to attend adoption appointments for adoptive parents.

• Time off for the intended parents in a surrogacy arrangement to attend antenatal appointments.

• Right to request flexible working for all employees, not just those with caring responsibilities.

• The right for breastfeeding employees to request reasonable breaks.

• Employers must take reasonable steps to provide facilities for breastfeeding.

Helen Ruelle, Chair of the Employment Forum said the recommendations could encourage a gender balance in childcare roles.