Under the legislation, the entitlement to breastfeeding breaks will be extended from the current period of six months up to two years.
Little dispute I'm sure that the following is good:
Under [new] legislation, the entitlement to breastfeeding breaks will be extended from the current period of six months up to two years.
But what of this?
In addition to this, parents and carers will be entitled to a new right to unpaid leave for medical purposes.
In a way that's useful, but in another.
ICTU Head of Social Policy and Employment Affairs Laura Bambrick said another new right will now allow five days in a year for medical care or support in case of a medical emergency to a close relative or house mate, which is unpaid. This is in addition to force majeure leave.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, she said that "we don't expect the take-up of this to be huge".
"It is unfortunate that it's unpaid. The EU legislation on which this entitlement is based doesn't require or oblige employers to pay it.
And:
"But they do recommend that member states make it a requirement, but we chose not to follow that advice."
She said people do have an entitlement to force majeure leave, which is three days' paid leave over a 12 month period or five days' paid leave over a 36-month period.
That's still a very minimal level of provision. And without paid leave it benefits those with the most resources, doesn't it?
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