Work-Life Balance Act To Extend Leave For Parents & Carers

Monday, 3 July 2023 09:40

By Caoimhe Harney

Workers will be able to avail of extended breastfeeding breaks and new unpaid leave entitlements as part of the work-life balance act.

Mothers are now entitled to paid breastfeeding breaks at work for a period of two years.

It's been increased from the previous six months as part of the latest Work Life Balance measures.

Other entitlements which come into force today are up to five days unpaid leave per year for parents and those caring for family members to take care of them when they are ill or to attend medical appointments.

The act also provides for domestic violence leave and these measures are expected to be in place later this year.

The right to request remote or flexible working is also contained within the legislation.

Those provisions will commence once the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has finalised a code of practice.

The code will set out practical guidance for employers and employees when it comes to requesting remote or flexible work.

There will be an obligation on the employer to consider both their needs and the needs of employees when assessing a request.

A complaint can be taken to the WRC where an employer has not complied with the code.

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