Tynwald backs introduction of shared parental leave

Parents to be given flexibility to share up to fifty weeks of leave in a child’s first year

Tynwald has unanimously approved a package of regulations introducing shared parental leave on the Isle of Man.

The new measures - brought forward by the Department for Enterprise - will allow mothers and fathers to share up to fifty weeks of leave during the first year following the birth or adoption of a child.

The Shared Parental Leave Regulations 2025, together with related amendments to maternity, paternity and adoption leave provisions, bring the Island broadly into line with the system operating in the United Kingdom for more than a decade.

They'll come into effect on 1 November.

Under the changes, parents can divide their entitlement in a flexible way - for example, taking time off together or in separate blocks - with employers required to agree to the pattern of leave requested.

The option to take traditional maternity, paternity or adoption leave will remain available.

As with existing arrangements, employers will not be obliged to pay salaries while an employee is on shared parental leave, although Treasury will provide a parental allowance. Employers can choose to offer enhanced pay if they wish.

The move follows a recommendation from the Select Committee on Population Rebalancing, endorsed by Tynwald in 2023, that shared parental leave should be introduced "at the earliest opportunity" to help support working families and encourage population growth.

Government says the reforms are expected to be resource neutral overall, although they may lead to some disruption for employers due to the increased flexibility in how leave can be taken.

All regulations were approved without opposition.

BEREAVEMENT LEAVE

Meanwhile, new provisions regarding parental bereavement leave will also be enacted.

Under the new provisions, parents will be entitled to take two weeks’ leave following the death of a child under the age of 18, including cases of stillbirth from 24 weeks.

This leave may be taken as a single two-week block or two separate one-week blocks within the first year after the child’s death.

Expectant parents who suffer a miscarriage before 24 weeks of pregnancy will be entitled to one week of leave.

ALLOWANCES

The new rights will be supported by the introduction of two financial allowances – namely parental bereavement allowance and shared parental allowance.

Eligible employees will be entitled to payments for the relevant period of leave, subject to certain conditions.

Tim Johnston, Minister for Enterprise said: "These new rights represent meaningful progress in how we value and support families in the workplace and their contribution to the economy.

"No parent should have to face the loss of a child without the time or support they need, which is why we’ve brought forward parental bereavement leave as a statutory right.

"In addition, shared parental leave ensures that sharing responsibilities can be managed in a way that reflects modern family life.

"These measures underline our commitment to a compassionate and forward-looking employment framework for employees, ensuring that the Island remains an attractive place to live, work and raise a family."

Treasury Minister Alex Allinson added: "I am pleased that Tynwald has approved these important new rights, which provide families with both flexibility and financial security when they need it most.

"The introduction of the new allowances ensures that eligible parents are not forced to choose between work and family at critical moments, and helps to create a fairer, more supportive environment for working families."

Further proposals for neonatal care leave and carer’s leave are currently being developed and are expected to be brought before Tynwald later this year.