Public Sector Workers will have 1 out of 5 Carers Leave day paid. As of today, new rights were introduced into legislation to achieve a more work-life balance, including 10 days’ paternity leave, four months’ leave for parents (two months of which will be paid), the right to flexibility at work, and the 5 days Carers Leave. 

This was announced by Principal Permanent Secretary Tony Sultana and Parliamentary Secretary Dr Andy Ellul, during a forum for Directors responsible for Public Service Human Resources. Details were provided in this forum on how to implement the new rights enshrined in the law, including through presentations by the Department of Industrial Relations and Employment, and by the People & Standards Division. 

With effect from today, public employees will benefit from these measures in favour of work and family. 

Fathers or, in so far as recognised by national law, the second equivalent parents are entitled to 10 days’ paid leave on the occasion of the birth/adoption of each child. 

Parental leave (applies to parents, adoptive parents, legal guardians and foster carers)

Each parent is entitled to two months’ parental leave paid from the 12 months’ entitlement. These two months will be paid in accordance with the Work-Life Balance Regulations for Parents and Carers (SL 452.125). Employees in chief positions will be entitled to a maximum of 4 months parental leave out of which two months are paid. Parental leave may be utilised until the child reaches the age of 10. 

A new measure is introduced whereby all public employees are entitled to 5 days Carers’ Leave, one day of which will be paid. This leave is aimed at caring for a relative, or a person living in the same household, and who needs medical care and support. 

The Public Service Management Code and the Manuals have been updated to reflect these changes.