Family friendly changes to employment laws approved in Jersey

New family-friendly employment rights will be given to parents in Jersey.

The States Assembly voted 38-6 to approve the plans, which would see the amount of leave for new parents to increase to 52 weeks, with six weeks full pay.

This parental leave can be taken in three blocks over a two-year period.

The proposition, made by Social Security Minister Judy Martin, faced some opposition in the States with some members saying it would have a negative impact on employers.

The Economic Affairs Scrutiny Panel suggested it should remain at 26 weeks, but amendments to scale down the increases in the draft law were rejected by the States Assembly.

The new system is planned to come into force in June or July 2020. The States also voted to approve a review of the policy after 24 months.