Paternity leave for fathers of newborns, and family leave for adoptive parents bringing a new child into their home, are now a part of leave entitlements for public servants in Jamaica.

The entitlements came into effect on January 1.

An increase in paid maternity leave from 40 days to three months, also commenced this month.

The changes correlate with the Government’s new compensation system for public sector workers.

Finance Minister Dr Nigel Clarke, had explained that the system not only relates to wages and salaries but takes into account benefits like pensions and terms and conditions such as leave entitlements.