Islanders encouraged to ‘share your views’ on Jersey’s family friendly legislation
Scrutiny
25 June 2025
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A Scrutiny sub-panel is encouraging families and businesses to share their experiences and opinions on the current provisions for maternity/parental leave and other parental rights as part of a review into changes made to the Employment Law.The States Assembly approved a number of amendments to the law in 2018 following a review carried out by the Employment Forum. A sub-panel has been established to review how those changes have been implemented; the impact they have had on local families and businesses; and whether they provide children with the best possible start in life. The sub-panel reports to the Health and Social Security Scrutiny Panel.
A short survey has been launched as part of the review to gather Islanders’ views on the current provisions for new parents and the communication that currently exists regarding those provisions. So far, more than three hundred responses have been received. Panel members will also be holding pop-up stands at the Co-op Grand Marché stores where they can speak directly to people about their experiences. The Panel is especially keen to hear from fathers/second parents who have experience of the six-week statutory paid parental leave that was established in 2020, and whether they have accessed any of the remaining unpaid leave up to a year.
Deputy Louise Doublet, Chair of the sub-panel, said: ‘It’s been five years since the final set of changes improving maternity leave and parental leave were introduced. At the time, they were seen as a progressive and positive step forward for the Island. But there have been many societal changes since then, and we feel the time is right to review the current policy to ensure it still meets the original aim of providing children with the best start in life.'
'It is really important that we gather the views and opinions of people, whether they are already parents or are considering starting a family, or helping to support family members, to help inform that work. We especially want to hear from fathers/second parents as we recognise that there has been the most change in their rights which have been extended from the previous 2 weeks to a full year. The Panel are hearing that families are not always able to access their rights, due to reasons such as affordability, stigma, and knowledge of what they are entitled to. We want to hear ideas to tackle these problems.'
'Wider family members, such as grandparents, are also encouraged to share their experiences and ideas with us as they often play a vital role in providing the support that’s needed to allow parents to return to work. It is also important that businesses share their views on the impact the changes have had on them so any recommendations that may be made by the Panel are fully considered.’
Panel members will be at the Grand Marché store in St Helier between 12pm and 2pm on Wednesday 2 July and the Grand Marché store in St Peter on Monday 7 July 2025, also between 12pm and 2pm. The survey closes at midnight on Sunday 6 July 2025.
Members of the public, businesses or organisations who wish to share their view can also make a submission via email (scrutiny@gov.je) or by writing to the Family Friendly Post-Implementation Sub-Panel at Morier House, Halkett Place, St Helier, JE1 1DD.
More information about the Review can be found on our website.
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