Tynwald has unanimously backed a major reform to parental leave on the island.
The Shared Parental Leave Regulations enable mothers and fathers of newborns to share up to 50 weeks of leave in the first year of their child’s life.
The new system, along with associated amendments to maternity, paternity and adoption leave rules, is designed to offer families greater flexibility.
Parents can take leave simultaneously or in up to three separate blocks, subject to agreement with their employer.
Shared
Enterprise Minister Tim Johnston said: “The system of shared parental leave, which is similar to the system that has been in place in the UK for over 10 years, provides greater flexibility in families deciding how best to manage work and home life in the first 12 months of a child’s life.”
He added: “The right extends the potential for leave for fathers, and provides greater potential for mothers to return to work earlier should they wish to do so.”
The reforms do not obligate employers to provide pay during this leave, though they may choose to.
Employees will instead receive an allowance from Treasury. The existing options for standalone maternity, paternity, or adoption leave remain unchanged.
The move follows a recommendation from a report on population rebalancing intended to help boost the Isle of Man’s birth rate.