Finance Minister Dr. Nigel Clarke
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Dr. Nigel Clarke
Finance Minister Dr. Nigel Clarke has announced that paternity leave for fathers of newborns is to be introduced in the public sector while maternity leave is to be extended.
Maternity leave will move from 40 days to three calendar months.
Speaking at a media briefing on Tuesday afternoon, the Finance Minister said public sector workers who are adoptive parents will also benefit from family leave.
"All of these are components of total compensation," he said, noting that the changes are part of the public sector compensation review programme.
Under Jamaica's Maternity Act, workers can get up to three months maternity leave, but will only get paid for two months.
But Dr. Clarke said the government intends to update the Public Service Staff Orders of 2004 to reflect the announced changes.
Circulars outlining the new benefits will be issued by September 30.
More assistance
Dr. Clarke also announced that low income earners in the public sector will be receiving assistance with back to school expenses.
He said the details of the targeted support programme will be announced shortly.
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