A leaked internal email sent to staff working at the Government’s new headquarters has reminded employees that children are not permitted in the workplace to “maintain a professional environment” and “ensure the wellbeing of all staff and visitors”.
In an email shared with Express, public sector staff are “asked to ensure they follow Government of Jersey guidelines regarding children in the office”.
Employees are reminded of “flexible working policies policies to support staff in managing their work-life balance”, including remote working, flexible hours, annual leave, and special leave.
It comes amid a review of Jersey’s family friendly legislation, which is exploring how government policies can better support working parents.
In a hearing this week, Family Friendly Post-Implementation Sub-Panel members asked the Social Security Minister if it was correct that children of Government employees are not permitted access to office areas in the Union Street building “under any circumstances”.
Deputy Lyndsay Feltham replied: “I don’t know, that would be outside of my remit.”
When pressed further about whether this policy aligns with creating a “family-friendly” working environment, the Minister – whose team are based primarily at the Union Street building – said that she would “need to know what the circumstances are and what the reasons are”.
Deputy Feltham said it would “surprise her” to learn that children weren’t allowed in “under any circumstances”, and emphasised that she is not a member of the States Employment Board – which is the employer of all public employees in Jersey and is responsible for fixing employees’ terms and conditions.
There were discussions during the hearing around the potential challenges faced by new parents attending “keeping in touch” days, which are arranged to allow those on parental leave to maintain their relationships with colleagues by visiting the office during their time off.
Deputy Feltham said: “I can recall taking my own daughter as a baby into my workplace at the time.”
She noted that some workplace areas might be dangerous or inappropriate for children, but added: “I’m quite happy to have discussions with members of the States Employment Board.”