Managing employee leave entitlements in Guernsey requires a clear understanding of local regulations to ensure compliance and support a positive working environment. Employers must adhere to statutory minimums for various types of leave, including annual holidays, public holidays, sick leave, and parental leave. These entitlements are designed to provide employees with necessary time off for rest, illness, and significant life events.
Navigating these requirements can be complex, especially for companies operating remotely or expanding into the jurisdiction. Familiarity with the specific rules governing each type of leave is essential for accurate payroll processing and maintaining legal standing.
Annual Vacation Leave
Employees in Guernsey are entitled to a statutory minimum amount of paid annual leave. This entitlement is calculated based on the employee's working pattern.
The minimum paid annual leave entitlement is:
- Four weeks plus public holidays (or days in lieu of public holidays) per year.
- For employees working five days a week, this equates to 20 days of annual leave plus public holidays.
- Part-time employees receive a pro-rata entitlement based on their working hours.
Leave accrues throughout the year. Employers and employees should agree on how and when leave can be taken, typically outlined in the employment contract or company handbook.
Public Holidays
Guernsey observes several public holidays throughout the year. Employees are typically entitled to a day off on these holidays in addition to their minimum annual leave entitlement. If an employee is required to work on a public holiday, they are usually entitled to a day in lieu.
The public holidays expected to be observed in Guernsey in 2025 are:
| Date | Day of Week | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Wednesday | New Year's Day |
| April 18 | Friday | Good Friday |
| April 21 | Monday | Easter Monday |
| May 1 | Thursday | May Day |
| May 8 | Thursday | Liberation Day |
| May 26 | Monday | Spring Bank Holiday |
| August 25 | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday |
| December 25 | Thursday | Christmas Day |
| December 26 | Friday | Boxing Day |
Note: If a public holiday falls on a weekend, a substitute day may be granted, typically the next working day.
Sick Leave
Employees in Guernsey are entitled to sick leave when they are unwell and unable to work. While there is no statutory requirement for employers to provide paid sick leave for short absences, many employers offer contractual sick pay schemes.
Key points regarding sick leave:
- Notification: Employees should notify their employer as soon as possible when they are unable to attend work due to illness.
- Medical Certificates: For absences exceeding a certain number of days (typically 7 consecutive days, including weekends), employers can require a medical certificate from a doctor.
- Statutory Sick Pay: Guernsey does not have a statutory sick pay scheme equivalent to some other jurisdictions. Entitlement to sick pay depends on the employment contract or company policy.
- Social Insurance: Employees may be eligible for sickness benefit from the States of Guernsey Social Security Department, subject to contributions and eligibility criteria.
Employers should clearly define their sick leave policy, including notification procedures, requirements for medical evidence, and any provisions for sick pay, within the employment contract or employee handbook.
Parental Leave
Guernsey law provides entitlements for employees taking leave in connection with the birth or adoption of a child.
Maternity Leave
Eligible employees are entitled to maternity leave.
- Duration: Up to 26 weeks of Ordinary Maternity Leave, followed by up to 26 weeks of Additional Maternity Leave, totaling a maximum of 52 weeks.
- Pay: There is no statutory requirement for employers to pay maternity pay. Employees may be eligible for maternity benefit from the States of Guernsey Social Security Department, subject to contributions and eligibility criteria. Some employers may offer contractual maternity pay.
- Start Date: Leave can start no earlier than 11 weeks before the expected week of childbirth.
Paternity Leave
Eligible employees are entitled to paternity leave to support their partner and care for the new child.
- Duration: Up to two consecutive weeks of leave.
- Pay: There is no statutory requirement for employers to pay paternity pay. Employees may be eligible for parental benefit from the States of Guernsey Social Security Department, subject to contributions and eligibility criteria. Some employers may offer contractual paternity pay.
- Timing: Leave must be taken within 56 days of the child's birth or placement for adoption.
Adoption Leave
Eligible employees adopting a child are entitled to adoption leave, mirroring maternity leave entitlements.
- Duration: Up to 26 weeks of Ordinary Adoption Leave, followed by up to 26 weeks of Additional Adoption Leave, totaling a maximum of 52 weeks.
- Pay: There is no statutory requirement for employers to pay adoption pay. Employees may be eligible for parental benefit from the States of Guernsey Social Security Department, subject to contributions and eligibility criteria. Some employers may offer contractual adoption pay.
- Start Date: Leave can start up to 14 days before the child is placed with the employee.
Eligibility for parental leave and associated benefits from the States of Guernsey is subject to specific qualifying conditions, including length of service and social insurance contributions.
Other Types of Leave
Beyond the main categories, employers in Guernsey may also offer or be required to consider other types of leave, although statutory entitlements vary.
- Bereavement Leave: While there is no specific statutory entitlement to paid bereavement leave, many employers provide a period of paid or unpaid leave to employees dealing with the death of a close family member.
- Study Leave: Some employers may offer study leave to support employee development, typically outlined in company policy or individual agreements. There is no statutory right to paid study leave.
- Sabbatical Leave: Longer periods of leave for personal or professional reasons may be granted at the employer's discretion, often unpaid and subject to company policy.
- Jury Service: Employees summoned for jury service are legally required to attend. Employers are not statutorily required to pay employees during jury service, but employees can claim an allowance from the court.
Employers should clearly document all leave policies in their employee handbook to ensure transparency and consistency.
