New work-life balance laws being planned by the Government will see parents allowed to take up to five days off work to care for sick children.
The days off will be taken as unpaid leave under the new plans being brought to cabinet.
And separately, any parent of a child under 12, or a person caring for a relative, will have the right to request reduced or flexible working hours under the proposed new legislation.
Independent.ie reports that Children’s Minister Roderic O’Gorman is bringing a memo to Cabinet this week outlining the new workers’ rights which will give employees more options.
Under the legislation, employees must give their employer six months’ notice if they need more flexible working arrangements to take care of a child or relative.
The employer must respond within four weeks – and if they refuse or postpone the request, they will be required to consult with the employee and also provide reasons for the decision.
The landscape of the workplace is changing rapidly as Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has separately introduced legislation giving workers the right to request to work from home.
Separately, Mr O’Gorman’s legislation will also introduce five days of leave for medical care purposes for all employees who need to look after a loved one.
