The Employment (Maternity Leave Extension and Paternity Leave) Amendment Act takes effect January 1, 2020 and:
- 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.