Statement by the Chair of the Health and Social Security Scrutiny Panel re Family Friendly Legislation Review

STATEMENT TO BE MADE BY THE CHAIR OF THE HEALTH AND SOCIAL SECURITY SCRUTINY PANEL

ON TUESDAY 24th FEBRUARY 2026

Family Friendly Legislation Review

I am pleased to present the report of the Health and Social Security Scrutiny Sub-Panel that has been reviewing Jersey's Family Friendly Employment Legislation. Whilst the Sub-Panel consisted of myself and Deputies Stephenson , Moore and Wilson , it has been overseen and approved by the main Panel, and I thank all members who have contributed to this work, particularly Deputy Stephenson who acted as a de facto Vice-Chair for this review.

This review comes at a time when many families in Jersey are under increasing pressure. The evidence we received demonstrated clearly that, while the legislation has brought meaningful cultural and social benefits, those benefits are not being experienced equally across our community.

The Sub-Panel's work therefore focused on understanding where the legislation is working well, where barriers remain, and what practical steps are needed to ensure that all families can genuinely access the support the law intends to provide.

One of the strongest outcomes of our review is the recognition that affordability remains a major obstacle. Although parents are entitled to up to 52 weeks of leave, very few families can afford to take more than the first six weeks. Many are returning to work earlier than they would choose, not because it is best for their child, but because of financial necessity. This undermines the legislation's child-centred intent and widens inequalities between families.

Childcare availability and cost emerged as another decisive factor shaping parents' choices. Fees for children under two often exceed mortgage or rental payments, and shortages in places - particularly for babies, parents who work shifts, and for children with additional needs - are pushing families into debt, out of the workforce, or off the Island altogether. These pressures are directly linked to Jersey's declining birth rate and workforce sustainability.

We also found that awareness and understanding of rights remain inconsistent. Many parents, employers and even professionals are unclear about entitlements, protections, and processes. Without accessible, accurate information, rights exist on paper but not always in practice.

Employers were clear that, while they support the principles of family friendly legislation, they need clearer guidance and more practical support to implement it effectively - particularly smaller organisations, who face the greatest operational strain. Their perspectives were essential to ensuring that our recommendations are balanced, realistic and achievable, and the Sub-Panel took great care to reflect this.

The review also identified inequities that the current legislation does not fully address - single parents who receive half the total leave of a two-parent household; grandparents and kinship carers who play essential caregiving roles but lack formal recognition; and parents of disabled children who face additional challenges but receive the same statutory allowances as others. If Jersey is serious about child-centred policy, these inequities require attention.

Across all of these areas, one theme is clear: the legislation has strong potential to support children during the crucial first 1,001 days of life, but that potential is not being realised evenly. Our recommendations aim to bridge that gap by improving communication, strengthening monitoring, enhancing flexibility, and ensuring that support is both accessible and financially feasible for families and employers.

I would like to highlight one set of recommendations in particular - those relating to the Jersey Advisory and Conciliation Service. I want to state clearly that these recommendations are made in good faith. They are intended to support the organisation in delivering the best possible outcomes for the people and businesses who rely on it. JACS plays a vital role in employment relations, and our suggestions are aimed at equipping it to continue that role effectively as the legislative landscape evolves.

Members, the Sub-Panel approached this work with a strong commitment to balance and pragmatism. We sought to understand the real-world impact, not just legislative intention, of the current system and to propose measures that will make a practical difference for families and employers alike. The report before you today reflects that approach.

I extend my sincere thanks to our officers who have worked tirelessly to support the Sub-Panel, to our advisor Dr Merve Uzunaliolu and also to all those who contributed their experiences, insights and expertise. More than 430 people – parents, grandparents and carers - responded to a public survey that was launched as part of this review, and many others spoke to us at public engagement events. Their voices, along with those of the businesses and other stakeholders that engaged with us, have shaped a set of recommendations that look beyond legislation alone, towards the kind of Island we want to be - one that values care, supports family life, and invests in children as our shared future.

The central message of this report is that investing in families is investing in the Island's future. At this pivotal moment, the choices made now will determine whether Jersey becomes a harder place to raise children or a more hopeful, nurturing and sustainable community for generations to come.