Employment Amendment Act 2026

What this bill does

This bill creates new parental leave rights for employees who adopt a child or become legal guardians of a child under 2 years old. It gives mothers up to 13 weeks leave and fathers up to 5 days leave, with pay depending on how long they've worked for their employer.

If passed (voted YES)

• Adoptive mothers get 13 weeks parental leave (paid if they've worked 1+ years, unpaid if less)
• Adoptive fathers get 5 days parental leave (paid if they've worked 1+ years, unpaid if less)
• Employees on parental leave cannot be fired and have job protection when they return
• Leave must be used within 14 weeks of the court order and applies to children under 24 months old

If rejected (voted NO)

• No parental leave rights for adoptive parents or legal guardians
• These employees would only have whatever leave their individual employment contract provides
• No job protection specifically for people taking time off after adopting a child

Who it affects

This mainly affects Bermuda workers who are adopting children or becoming legal guardians of young children (under 2 years old). It also affects employers who will need to provide this leave and potentially cover the work of employees who are away.