The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to amend existing regulations under the Shop and Office Employees (Regulation of Employment and Remuneration) Act No. 19 of 1954, expanding permitted work hours for women in the hospitality industry.
Currently, female employees over the age of 18 are allowed to work between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. in certain roles, such as hotel receptionists, coat room attendants, and washroom staff. However, food service roles in hotels with accommodation and restaurants are restricted to a 10:00 p.m. cut-off.
Due to operational challenges long cited by industry stakeholders, the Minister of Labour proposed a revision to Regulation 3 under the Act.
The approved amendment will allow female employees over 18 to work night shifts as food servers in hotels with residential facilities and in restaurants, aligning their permitted hours with other roles already covered by the law. (Islandnews)
