In Montserrat, the Labour Code 2012 outlines the rules for vacation leave for employees. The entitlements vary based on the length of service. Employees with less than ten years of service are entitled to a minimum of two weeks (10 working days) of paid vacation leave per year. Those with ten but less than twenty years of service are entitled to a minimum of three weeks (15 working days) of paid vacation leave per year. Employees with twenty or more years of service are entitled to a minimum of four weeks (20 working days) of paid vacation leave per year.

Accrual of Vacation Leave

Vacation leave accrues throughout the year. It's important to note that employees cannot be forced to take it before it's accrued.

Scheduling of Vacation Leave

The scheduling of vacation leave is typically a mutual agreement between the employer and the employee. Both operational needs and employee preferences are taken into consideration during this process.

Unused Leave

The Labour Code also addresses the issue of unused leave. While it's recommended that annual leave be taken within the current year, there are provisions for limited carry-over or payment of unused leave under specific circumstances.

Montserrat celebrates several public holidays throughout the year. These include:

New Year's Day

This holiday is celebrated on January 1st.

St. Patrick's Day

This holiday is observed on March 17th.

Good Friday

The date for Good Friday varies each year, but it typically falls in March or April.

Easter Monday

Like Good Friday, the date for Easter Monday changes annually but usually occurs in March or April.

Labour Day

Labour Day is celebrated on the first Monday in May.

Whit Monday

Whit Monday is another holiday with a variable date, typically falling in May or June.

Queen's Birthday

The Queen's Birthday is celebrated on the second Monday in June.

August Monday

This holiday is observed on the first Monday in August.

Christmas Day

Christmas Day is celebrated on December 25th.

Boxing Day

Boxing Day is observed on December 26th.

Festival Day

Festival Day is celebrated on December 31st.

Employees are entitled to various types of leave, each regulated by the Labour Code 2012 (Part VII - Holidays and Leave).

Annual Leave

Employees are entitled to a minimum of 10-20 paid vacation days per year, depending on their length of service.

Sick Leave

Employees are entitled to paid sick leave upon providing a medical certificate. The Labour Code establishes 14 days of paid sick leave per year after an initial qualifying period. Extensions may be possible in cases of prolonged illness.

Maternity Leave

Female employees are entitled to 13 weeks of maternity leave, generally divided into a prenatal and postnatal period. To qualify for the full paid benefit, they must have completed a minimum period of employment.

Paternity Leave

Fathers are entitled to a short period of paid paternity leave following the birth of their child. The Labour Code specifies up to five days of paid paternity leave.

Bereavement Leave

While not explicitly mandated by law, many employers offer a short period of paid leave following the death of a close family member.

Other Types of Leave

Unpaid Leave

Employees may be able to request unpaid leave for personal circumstances, depending on employer approval and any relevant policies.

Study Leave

Employees may be eligible for leave for educational purposes in specific cases.