Enhanced employment legislation on the horizon

Government says they enhance support for working families

Modernisation of employment laws relating to family rights and whistleblowing will come into force in April.

The changes are based on feedback gathered during a public consultation conducted in 2022 and are contained within reforms to the Employment Act 2006.

They include:

• time off work for partners to attend antenatal appointments
• time off work to attend adoption appointments
• time off work to care for dependants
• the requirement for all workers to have written statement of employment particulars from day one of employment

Changes to whistleblowing legislation include the introduction of a public interest test for protected disclosures and removal of the requirement that disclosures are made in good faith, vicarious liability and interim relief.

Enterprise Minister Tim Johnston said: “Part of these reforms include much needed enhancements to legislation for family rights, in particular rights to time off in relation to dependants, a move which aims to enhance support for working families.

“By making these amendments we are protecting the workforce, increasing fairness in the workplace, while ensuring that the Island remains competitive against similar jurisdictions and is an attractive, vibrant and secure place for those choosing to live, work or do business here.”

The department says it continues to progress further amendments to employment legislation including shared parental leave and parental bereavement leave which are expected to come into effect later this year.