The Minister of Labour, Community Affairs and Sports, the Hon. Lovitta Foggo, JP, MP, is reminding the community, particularly local businesses that the Employment (Maternity Leave Extension and Paternity Leave) Amendment Act takes effect January 1, 2020.

And Minister Foggo is encouraging local businesses to ensure that their organizations are compliant with the new legislative amendments. Businesses should note that the Act essentially:

? Extends maternity leave to thirteen (13) paid weeks for employees who have worked for one continuous year. The current allowance for maternity leave is eight (8) weeks paid leave and four (4) weeks unpaid leave. Employees who have not worked for a full year will be entitled to thirteen (13) weeks of unpaid leave;

? Provides five (5) paid days paternity leave for employees who are becoming fathers and who have worked for one continuous year by the expected date of birth. Employees who have not worked for a full year will be entitled to five (5) days unpaid leave; and

? Provides a measure of flexibility in the use of that vacation leave, as employees will now be entitled to one week’s holiday after the first six (6) months of employment.

Following the passage of the legislation in September Minister Foggo said, “The provision of maternity and paternity leave is a key element in enabling parents to forge bonds with their babies. While maternity leave has become standard in most countries around the world and in Bermuda, the provision of paternity leave globally has been neglected.

“Paternity leave helps foster better child relationships. We want to ensure fairness and equity. So, essentially, this Act amends the Employment Act 2000 to provide for vacation leave after the first six months of continuous employment, the extension of maternity leave and the provision of paternity leave.”

Minister Foggo concluded, “As the Minister responsible for labour, I was pleased to be able to guide this legislation through passage in the House of Assembly. I encourage all of our businesses to familiarize themselves with the new legislation so that they can ensure a fair and equitable workplace for all.”

• Press release from the Ministry of Labour, Community Affairs and Sport