In Jersey, labor law mandates that employers provide their employees with paid annual leave, also referred to as holidays.

Statutory Minimum

According to the Employment (Jersey) Law 2003, all employees are entitled to a minimum of 3 weeks of paid annual leave each year.

Accrual and Calculation

Vacation leave accrues on a monthly basis. Employees earn a proportion of their annual entitlement for each month of employment. Part-time workers receive prorated vacation leave entitlements based on their working hours.

Additional Notes

Employers cannot typically require employees to forfeit unused accrued leave, and a policy for carrying over leave to the next year should be in place. Upon termination, employees must be compensated for any unused, accrued vacation leave. Employers may offer more generous vacation leave policies than the legal minimums.

Jersey observes a mix of UK public holidays and its own unique Liberation Day celebration. Here's a breakdown of the primary public holidays:

Public Holidays

• New Year's Day (January 1st): Marks the start of the new year.
• Good Friday: Commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
• Easter Monday: Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
• Early May Bank Holiday (First Monday in May): Spring bank holiday.
• Liberation Day (May 9th): Commemorates the liberation of Jersey from German occupation during World War II.
• Spring Bank Holiday (Last Monday in May): Late spring bank holiday.
• Summer Bank Holiday (Last Monday in August): Summer bank holiday.
• Christmas Day (December 25th): Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.
• Boxing Day (December 26th): The day following Christmas Day.

Additional Information

• Substitute Days: If a bank holiday falls on a weekend, a substitute day, typically the following Monday, is designated as the public holiday.
• Regional Variations: The Channel Islands, including Jersey and Guernsey, may occasionally observe slightly different public holiday schedules.

In Jersey, employees have access to a variety of statutory and employer-specific leave options to cater to their diverse needs. These leave options fall into two primary categories: statutory leave entitlements and other leave entitlements.

Statutory Leave Entitlements

Sick Leave: While there is no statutory right to paid sick leave in Jersey, employers usually have a policy in place stipulating paid sick leave. It's essential to consult your employment contract or company handbook for details specific to your situation.

Maternity Leave: Employees are entitled to maternity leave as outlined in the Employment (Jersey) Law 2003 and the Maternity Allowance (Jersey) Law 1950. Specific duration and compensation vary depending on length of service and eligibility for maternity allowance.

Adoption Leave: Employees have the right to adoption leave, though eligibility and specific provisions may vary depending on circumstances.

Parental Leave: Unpaid parental leave may be available, allowing parents additional time off to care for their children. Specific regulations can vary by employer.

Other Leave Entitlements

Compassionate and Bereavement Leave: While not specifically covered by legislation, many employers offer paid or unpaid leave in the event of a death or serious illness within an employee's family.

Carer's Leave: Employers may provide designated time off for employees who need to care for a dependent with specific needs.

Unpaid Leave: Employers might allow additional unpaid leave options at their discretion for emergencies, religious observance, or other reasons.