‘Review of family-friendly laws needed’

‘Review of family-friendly laws needed’

Social Security Minister Judy Martin has confirmed she has lodged amendments to her own family-friendly proposals in a bid to alleviate concerns raised by business leaders during recent scrutiny hearings.

However, Chamber of Commerce president Eliot Lincoln said the minister had only listened ‘in part’ and called for further impact assessments of laws that were introduced last September.

Since September 2018, new parents have been entitled to 26 weeks of leave each – six of which are paid.

The States is due to debate increased parental-leave rights later this month. This includes allowing both parents up to a year off work, with both receiving six weeks’ pay.

Mr Lincoln said: ‘The minister has only listened in part to our concerns, by making last minute adjustments in an attempt at pushing through changes without having any knowledge of the impacts on businesses from the last legislation changes six months ago.

‘This is not what is required. We support the aims of the family-friendly legislation, but it must first be fit for purpose, by fully understanding the unintended consequences to the economy, and that means evaluating the current laws for 12 months before putting further pressure on business.’

Economic Affairs Scrutiny Panel chairman Deputy Kirsten Morel confirmed that his panel is likely to call the legislation in for further review if Deputy Martin refuses to withdraw the proposition.

Mr Lincoln added: ‘We have unique circumstances, with an Island at close to full employment, and therefore little scope for businesses to recruit skilled short-term cover. This will put huge pressure on employees having to cope with more work and less staff.

‘The additional recruitment and extra facilities that employers will need to provide all add to business costs and yet there is no financial support forthcoming from government to assist.

‘It is important that our politicians have a clear informed understanding of the current impacts, before making any decisions that increase costs and strains on businesses further.’

The proposition is due to be debated on Tuesday 30 April.

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