Feedback wanted on proposed employment law reforms

Views from the public and the business community are being sought on the proposals

The paid annual leave allowance for people on the Isle of Man could be increased as part of proposed reforms to employment laws.

Seven consultations have been launched looking at changes to a range of aspects including rest breaks, redundancy protections for parents and carer's leave.

The surveys are part of wider work to overhaul current laws, with changes to family leave rights and whistleblowing procedures set to be introduced in April 2025.

Enterprise Minister Tim Johnston said input would inform "improvements" in the current rules, with the aim of bringing Manx laws "in line with neighbouring jurisdictions".

Following consultations in 2022, the Employment (Amendment) Bill 2023 saw changes to family leave rights and whistleblowing brought forward.

They included the right to shared parental leave and the introduction of a "public interest test" to change how whistleblowers were treated.

Views from the public and the business community are being sought on further proposals, which also cover qualifying periods and maximum awards for employment tribunals, trade union legislation including ballot threshold requirements, and employment status and rights for agency workers.

The changes also consider the operation of the Minimum Wage Act 2001, the licencing of employment agencies, and unfair dismissal qualifying periods and maximum awards.

'Appealing destination'

Proposed changes to legislation include a boost to the number of days an employer must give employees off per-year.

Respondents will be asked if the island's provision of 20 days of leave for those working a five-day week should match the allowance in the UK, which is currently 28 days.

Employers are also encouraged to explain the potential impact the increase could have their businesses.

Plans to reform current laws, which date back to 2006, were outlined in the current administration's Island Plan.

Mr Johnston said the changes would ensure the island "continues to be an appealing destination for both new and existing businesses".

The consultations are available online until 29 October.