Holiday leave
In the Solomon Islands, the primary legislation governing vacation leave for employees is the Labour Act of 1978, along with its subsequent amendments.
Annual Leave (Recreation Leave)
Every employee is entitled to a minimum of 15 working days of paid annual leave for each full year of service. This is equivalent to approximately 3 weeks of vacation. The leave is generally accrued at the rate of 1.25 days per completed month of work.
Important Considerations
The timing of vacation leave is usually determined by employers, but they should consider employee preferences where possible. Special provisions are applicable to non-citizen immigrant workers. Their annual leave is typically limited to 6 days per year, and travel to their home country may be arranged as part of their leave entitlement.
Public holidays
The Solomon Islands, located in the South Pacific, is known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse traditions. This diversity is also reflected in the country's public holidays, which are a mix of national, religious, and province-specific celebrations.
New Year's Day
Celebrated on January 1st, New Year's Day marks the beginning of the new calendar year.
Good Friday
The date for Good Friday varies each year. It is observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Easter Monday
Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday. The date varies each year, depending on when Easter falls.
Queen's Birthday
The Queen's Birthday is celebrated on the second Monday in June. This holiday honors the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom, who is also the head of state in the Solomon Islands.
Independence Day
Independence Day is observed on July 7th. This holiday marks the day the Solomon Islands gained independence from British colonial rule in 1978.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day is celebrated on December 25th. It commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and is widely celebrated with various customs around the world.
Boxing Day
Boxing Day is observed on December 26th. The origins of this holiday are unclear, but it is traditionally a day to give gifts to service workers and those in need.
Types of leave
In the Solomon Islands, the Labour Act Chapter 73 outlines several primary types of leave.
Recreation Leave (Annual Leave)
According to Section 56 of the Labour Act, employees are entitled to a minimum of 1.25 working days of leave for every full month of employment. This equates to 15 working days per year, though some employers may offer more generous leave accrual. Recreation leave must be paid at the employee's regular rate of pay.
Sick Leave
Section 60 of the Labour Act provides for up to 22 working days of sick leave within a calendar year, provided the employee has been working for the employer for at least 26 weeks. Sick leave can be paid or unpaid, depending on the employer's policy or any contractual terms. When paid, certification by a registered medical practitioner may be required.
Maternity Leave
As per Section 65 of the Labour Act, female employees are entitled to 12 weeks of maternity leave, with a minimum of 6 weeks to be taken after the birth of the child. During maternity leave, the employee receives at least 25% of their regular wages for a maximum of 12 weeks. Any additional annual or sick leave taken as part of maternity leave would be paid at the full rate.
Other Types of Leave
The Solomon Islands Labour Act also allows for other types of leave which may be available, including:
Bereavement/Compassionate Leave
This may be granted for a short period on the death of a close family member or other compassionate circumstances. Specifics are determined by the employer's policies or any relevant agreement.
Leave for Special Occasions
Employers may provide leave for special circumstances (e.g., attending religious events, cultural requirements, etc.), depending on specific company policies or agreements.
Important Considerations
Leave entitlements may be subject to certain eligibility conditions, such as a minimum length of employment. Individual employers may offer more extensive leave provisions than those prescribed by law. It's advisable to consult internal company policies or contracts for specific details. Leave entitlements might be calculated on a prorated basis for employees who work part-time.