Understanding leave entitlements is crucial for businesses operating in Guyana. Guyana's labor laws mandate various types of leave, including annual vacation, public holidays, sick leave, and parental leave, to support employee well-being and work-life balance. Employers must adhere to these regulations to ensure compliance and maintain positive employee relations. This guide provides a detailed overview of the different types of leave available to employees in Guyana in 2025.
Annual Vacation Leave
Employees in Guyana are generally entitled to annual vacation leave after completing a qualifying period of service. The standard entitlement is:
- One day of leave for each completed month of service.
This translates to a minimum of 12 days of vacation leave per year for employees who have worked for a full year. Some collective agreements or company policies may provide for more generous vacation leave entitlements.
Public Holidays
Guyana observes several public holidays each year. Employees are generally entitled to paid time off on these days. The following are the public holidays typically observed in Guyana:
| Holiday | Date (2025) |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 |
| Republic Day | February 23 |
| Phagwah | March 14 |
| Good Friday | April 18 |
| Easter Monday | April 21 |
| Labour Day | May 1 |
| Arrival Day | May 5 |
| Independence Day | May 26 |
| Emancipation Day | August 1 |
| Youman Nabi | October 6 |
| Diwali | October 27 |
| Christmas Day | December 25 |
| Boxing Day | December 26 |
If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is usually observed as a holiday.
Sick Leave
Employees in Guyana are entitled to sick leave if they are unable to work due to illness. To qualify for sick leave, employees typically need to provide a medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner.
The standard sick leave entitlement is:
- Up to 21 days of sick leave per year.
During sick leave, employees are usually entitled to receive sick leave pay, which is typically a percentage of their regular wages. The specific percentage can vary but is often around 66.67% (two-thirds) of the employee's regular pay.
Parental Leave
Parental leave in Guyana includes maternity leave, paternity leave, and adoption leave.
Maternity Leave
Female employees are entitled to maternity leave. The standard entitlement is:
- 13 weeks of maternity leave.
During maternity leave, employees are entitled to receive maternity benefits, which are typically a percentage of their regular wages. To qualify for maternity leave, employees usually need to provide a medical certificate confirming their pregnancy.
Paternity Leave
Male employees are entitled to paternity leave upon the birth of their child. The standard entitlement is:
- 5 days of paternity leave.
Adoption Leave
Adoption leave may be available for employees who legally adopt a child. The specific entitlements and eligibility criteria for adoption leave can vary.
Other Types of Leave
In addition to the standard types of leave, employees in Guyana may also be eligible for other types of leave, such as:
- Bereavement Leave: Leave granted to employees upon the death of a close family member. The duration of bereavement leave can vary.
- Study Leave: Leave granted to employees for the purpose of pursuing further education or training. The availability and terms of study leave can vary depending on the employer and the specific circumstances.
- Sabbatical Leave: Longer-term leave granted to employees for professional development or personal pursuits. Sabbatical leave is not legally mandated and is typically offered at the employer's discretion.
