News and Insights

The Employment (Jersey) Law 2003 has been amended to provide increased support for parents dealing with the death of a child. The amendment grants parents the right to take time off from work following the death of a child under the age of 18 (including stillbirth occurring 24 weeks after pregnancy).

Parents can take up to two weeks of unpaid leave within 56 weeks of the bereavement. This entitlement becomes effective immediately upon employment and can be taken in three separate blocks without prior notice. Should the employee switch employers during the 56 week period, any remaining leave can be carried forward. The bereavement leave is available to mothers and fathers, including adoptive and surrogate parents, along with their partners – provided they shared or were expected to share responsibility for the child’s upbringing. This leave is in addition to the existing parental leave regime.

This amendment follows law introduced in the UK (“Jack’s Law”) to guarantee working parents time off work after the death of a child. It is considered a step forward in recognising and addressing the needs of bereaved parents in the workplace, taking a practical approach to employee well-being and support.

The full amendment can be read here:
Employment (Amendment No. 14) (Jersey) Law 2023 (jerseylaw.je)