Holiday leave
In the Turks and Caicos Islands, vacation leave entitlements are governed by the Employment Ordinance and the Employment Order.
Entitlement
Every employee is entitled to a minimum of two weeks (14 calendar days) of paid vacation leave for each complete year of service.
Accrual and Usage
Vacation leave accrues throughout the year of employment. The timing of when vacation leave can be taken should be mutually agreed upon by employers and employees.
Unused Vacation
While some employers may allow unused vacation leave to roll over to the next year, it is not a legal requirement. However, upon termination of employment, employees are entitled to payment for any unused, accrued vacation leave.
Important Notes
It's worth noting that vacation entitlements may not begin accruing until after the completion of a probationary period. Additionally, some industries or companies may have more generous vacation leave policies outlined in their collective bargaining agreements.
Public holidays
The Turks and Caicos Islands observe a blend of national, religious, and international holidays.
National Holidays
- New Year's Day (January 1st): This day marks the start of the calendar year.
- JAGS McCartney Day (Second Monday in March): This day honors the country's first Premier. It was formerly known as National Heroes Day.
- Good Friday: This day commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
- Easter Monday: This day celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
- National Youth Day (Last Friday in September): This day is a celebration of youth and their contributions to the nation.
- National Heritage Day (Second Monday in October): This day celebrates the history and culture of the Turks and Caicos Islands. It was formerly known as Columbus Day.
- Christmas Day (December 25th): This day commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ.
- Boxing Day (December 26th): This day is observed the day after Christmas Day.
Other Notable Holidays
- Queen's Birthday (Second Monday in June): This day celebrates the British monarch.
- Emancipation Day (First Monday in August): This day marks the abolition of slavery in the British Empire.
- International Human Rights Day (December 10th): This day promotes the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Types of leave
The Employment Ordinance and Employment Order of the Turks and Caicos Islands provide the legal framework for various types of leave available to employees.
Annual Leave (Vacation Leave)
Employees are entitled to at least two weeks (14 calendar days) of paid annual leave for each completed year of employment. This leave is intended for rest, relaxation, and attending to personal matters.
Sick Leave
Employees are entitled to paid sick leave. However, the exact number of days may vary by employer, often based on the length of service. This leave is intended for recovery from illness or injury.
Maternity Leave
Female employees are entitled to 14 weeks of maternity leave, with a portion being paid (specifics vary by employer). This leave is intended for childbirth, bonding, and recovery for the mother.
Paternity Leave
While not a guaranteed right under the main labor laws, some companies offer a few days of paid paternity leave. This leave is intended to allow fathers to support their partners and bond with newborns.
Other Types of Leave
Bereavement Leave: Some employers offer paid or unpaid leave following the death of a close family member.
Unpaid Leave: Employees may, in some cases, be able to negotiate unpaid leave for personal reasons with their employer.
Important Considerations
Company Policies: Specific leave entitlements and procedures may be further outlined in company policies or collective bargaining agreements.
Notice Requirements: Employees typically need to provide advance notice when requesting leave.
Documentation: Employers may require medical certificates or other documentation for certain types of leave.