Jersey employees could get legal right to three weeks ‘ holiday

Monday 20 September 2021

All Jersey employees will be entitled to a minimum of three weeks off work per year plus bank holidays by law, if States Members agree.

In a vote due to take place in November, politicians will also be asked to approve plans to give workers a right to a minimum rest break of 15 minutes every six hours.

The Social Security Minister’s proposals to change the law follow a report by the independent Employment Forum published in March.

They concluded that the changes in annual leave entitlement – resulting in three weeks and nine days off per year compared to just two weeks currently – would be more “family friendly” and lead to a better work/life balance for local workers. 

Pictured: Employers only have to offer two weeks of annual leave to employees under the current law.

They also highlighted that the move could result in “increased productivity from a rested and motivated workforce, a reduction in sickness absence and an increased sense of health and wellbeing.”

On rest breaks, the Forum had been asked to consider 20-minute breaks, but instead opted to recommend 15 minutes on the basis that it was what many local businesses were offering already.

A vote on the matter is currently scheduled for 2 November.