The minister of Labour Jennifer Baptiste-Primus has advised that parents who are unable to make arrangements for someone to look after their children, should be allowed to stay home to take care of them.

She gave the advice during a Ministry of Labour Press Conference, a short while ago. She also suggested that the parent should not be penalized by their employer. Baptiste-Primus also revealed that a new type of sick leave, called Pandemic Leave is being considered by the Chief Personnel Officer.

However, she warned employees who are not sick to not away from work. Baptiste Primus also issued some guidelines for this week of the nationwide school shutdown.
The following guidelines were proposed:

1) Children are not to be at workplaces/compound/vehicle etc.

2) All parents are encouraged to use support systems (babysitter, family, etc.)

3) Employers are to implement remote work policies.

4) Employers are to explore options of shift work/ or rostering.

5) One parent is encouraged to stay at home and look after the child or children.

6) If work arrangements can’t be made, the employee is to stay at home and can’t be penalized or not be paid in such an instance.

7) If you are not genuinely sick don’t stay away from work.

8) Pandemic leave for Public Officers (contract or not), fixed terms employees, short term, OJT, officeholders who are with service commission, freelancers, persons employed less than a year, daily paid, etc.

9) Mechanisms are in place for Public officers with no more sick leave can get an extension of sick leave with full pay.

10) Minister of Labour advises private employers with the union to seek guidance with respect to sick leave clearance for employees who need Pandemic leave. If there is no union, seek guidance from the Ministry (Conciliation Advisory and Advocacy Division). 299 0300 ext 2043, 2124.