In Saint Kitts and Nevis, labor laws ensure that workers receive a period of paid leave for relaxation and rest. All employees are entitled to a minimum of 14 working days of paid vacation leave for each year of continuous employment with a single employer.

Minimum Vacation Leave

The standard entitlement for all employees in Saint Kitts and Nevis is a minimum of 14 working days of paid vacation leave for each year of continuous employment with a single employer.

Eligibility and Considerations

Vacation leave entitlement accrues gradually throughout the year of employment. Employers and employees may agree to carry over a portion of unused vacation leave to the subsequent year, although specific limitations and terms may apply. Employers generally determine the timing of vacation leave, taking into account operational needs and employee preferences. An employee cannot be forced to take their vacation leave before it accrues.

Important Notes

Specific industries or professions may have additional regulations in their collective bargaining agreements that offer different leave entitlements. While the Protection of Employment Act provides a general framework for labor rights, there may be specific provisions for young workers (aged 16 to 18).

Saint Kitts and Nevis, a beautiful island nation in the Caribbean, celebrates a variety of public holidays throughout the year.

New Year's Day (January 1st)

This day marks the beginning of the new calendar year.

Carnival Day (January 2nd)

A continuation of the Christmas and New Year's festivities with parades and street celebrations.

Good Friday (varies)

This Christian holiday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Easter Monday (varies)

Following Easter Sunday, this Christian holiday celebrates Jesus Christ's resurrection.

Labour Day (May 1st)

This day celebrates the achievements and contributions of workers.

Whit Monday (varies)

A Christian holiday marking Pentecost, the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles.

Emancipation Day (August 1st)

This day commemorates the abolition of slavery in the British Empire in 1834.

Culturama Day (August 2nd)

A vibrant cultural celebration in Nevis showcasing the island's unique heritage.

National Heroes Day (September 16th)

This day honors the nation's heroes: Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw, Paul Southwell, Joseph Nathaniel France, Simeon Daniel, and Kennedy Simmonds.

Independence Day (September 19th)

This day celebrates Saint Kitts and Nevis' independence from the United Kingdom in 1983.

Christmas Day (December 25th)

A Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.

Boxing Day (December 26th)

Traditionally a day for giving gifts to service workers, it's now an additional day of festive celebrations.

In Saint Kitts and Nevis, employees are entitled to different types of leave.

Annual Leave (Vacation Leave)

Employees are entitled to at least 14 working days of paid annual leave for each year of employment. This is according to the Protection of Employment Act, Part VII, Section 20.

Sick Leave

After completing six months of continuous employment, employees are entitled to paid sick leave. The maximum entitlement is 14 days in a year, which can be extended in cases of prolonged illness. A medical certificate from a registered doctor is required to claim sick leave. This is as per the Protection of Employment Act, Part VII, Sections 21 - 24.

Maternity Leave

Female employees are entitled to 13 weeks of maternity leave, with at least two weeks taken before the expected delivery date and at least six weeks after. Employees must have worked for the employer for at least 150 days within the year preceding the confinement date. This is according to the Protection of Employment Act, Part VIII, Sections 35 - 38.

Paternity Leave

Currently, there is no statutory provision for paternity leave in Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Other Types of Leave

Some employers may offer casual leave for short absences, but it's not a statutory requirement. While not legally mandated, employers may have policies offering bereavement leave for the death of immediate family members.

It's important to note that the specific terms and conditions of leave entitlements might vary based on employment contracts or collective bargaining agreements in place.