New employment rights for shared parental leave and parental bereavement leave (1)

New employment rights for shared parental leave and parental bereavement leave will come into effect from 1 November 2025, following Tynwald’s approval of the legislation.

These new rights complete the implementation of the Employment (Amendment) Act 2024, marking another key step in Government’s commitment to supporting family-friendly workplaces and providing vital support for parents during significant life events.

Parental Bereavement Leave

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.

Shared Parental Leave

Shared parental leave will enable parents to share up to 50 weeks of leave to care for a baby in the first 12 months of their baby’s life. Both maternity and paternity leave will still be available as options for new parents, and the same shared parental rights will also apply to adoptive parents.

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 MHK, Minister for Enterprise commented: ‘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.’

Dr Alex Allinson MHK, Treasury Minister 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.

Employers should make themselves aware of the measures coming into effect from 1 November 2025 and ensure any necessary changes are made in preparation.

More details on these new changes can be found at gov.im/employmentrights. Manx Industrial Relations can also offer free and impartial advice to both employers and employees on employment matters.