Jersey’s States Assembly has approved a proposition to introduce a change to Jersey’s benefit structure relating to bereavement leave.
The proposals will ensure employed parents who suffer the death of a child under 18 have the right to take two weeks of bereavement leave. The Government of Jersey will pay for this leave as a benefit, which means there will be no cost implication for employers outside of ensuring cover for the individual’s role during their absence.
Leave would be available in one block of two weeks or as two separate blocks of one week. Parents must take their leave within 56 weeks of the bereavement to be covered.
The finer details are still to be completed, with the Social Security Minister set to bring forward proposals by the end of March 2022. Considerations will include:
• If the two weeks’ pay will be capped.
• If the leave will be extended to close relatives outside of the direct parental unit.
• Whether leave will extend to parents that lose a child before 24 weeks of pregnancy.
As the changes will be presented back to the Assembly in early 2022, employers should watch for any developments.
To discuss this development in greater detail or any other parental employment rights, don’t hesitate to contact our HR team on 01534 887088.
[tmm name=”pete”]
