Further enhancements to employment rights including rest breaks and neonatal care leave being progressed

The Department for Enterprise has confirmed that the forthcoming Employment (Amendment) Bill will feature new rights for rest breaks, neonatal care leave and carer’s leave.

This work is based on feedback from a series of public consultations held in 2024, with the summary results now available on the Government Consultation website.

In addition, the Department will be prioritising further research on a number of other areas consulted on including statutory annual leave provision, the maximum awards available at the Employment and Equality Tribunal, and reforms to the licensing of Employment Agencies and Businesses.

Tim Johnston MHK, Minister for Enterprise commented: ‘Public and stakeholder consultation is a vital part of policy development, and I extend my thanks to organisations and members of the public who responded to not just one, but seven consultations covering a wide range of topics.

‘Throughout this administration, the Department has brought forward a number of reforms to improve employment legislation in the Isle of Man, namely enhancements to family rights and the right to time off in relation to dependants, as well as whistleblowing protections and day one rights to written statements which are due to come into effect from 1 April 2025. Further amendments including shared parental leave, parental bereavement leave, and miscarriage leave are expected to come into effect later this year.’

The Minister added: ‘By bringing forward these amendments, as outlined in the Island Plan, we are committing to the protection of our workforce, ensuring fairness as well as flexibility in the workplace, and supporting employers with guidance and clarity in a changing labour market. It is important that the work we do makes the Island an attractive, dynamic, and secure destination for those who choose to live, work, or do business here.’

While these prospective changes will be presented to Tynwald later in the year, there are a number of significant changes to employment legislation effective from 1 April 2025 of which details can be found online. Further announcements on additional changes, including shared parental leave are due later in the year.

More details can be found here - gov.im/employmentrights