Paternity leave too burdensome for small businesses – Wan

The paternity policy to be introduced across the public sector later this year is not expected to set off a chain reaction in the private sector, the Jamaica Employers Federation (JEF) has indicated.

President David Wan said while there are societal benefits to the policy, its wholesale implementation across the sector would be too costly.

In a Gleaner interview on Wednesday, Wan said unless paternity leave is legislated, the policy will vary among businesses.

“It’s good that the Government has taken the lead and will be putting up a template that others may follow if they wish,” said Wan.

“As always, the pitfalls will be the implementation details. The level of due diligence in response to requests, as well policies such as maximum number of instances of parental leave for any individual,” he added.

He said small and micro businesses would be most impacted in terms of their ability to fund such benefits as well as having the depth of staff to cover leave periods.

“Let’s put it this way. Until it is legislated, I think you will find varying levels of implementation because it’s a cost to the companies.”

On Tuesday, Minister of Finance Dr Nigel Clarke announced the Government’s intention to make changes to the 2004 public sector Staff Orders as part of the compensation restructuring now under way.

The changes should include an increase in paid maternity leave from 40 days to three calendar months.

Paternity leave is also expected to be introduced as well as family leave for adoptive parents who are bringing a new child into the home.

The details for the latter two decisions have not been finalised.