On 21 April 2022, the government passed a work-life balance bill, which transposes elements of Directive 2019/1158. Among other things, the bill grants new rights to parents and carers, to encourage a better work-life balance. As a result, after six months’ service, parents and carers will gain the right to apply for flexible working. The employer can however refuse to grant flexible working or postpone the start of the flexible working period, for multiple reasons. Carers will be granted five days of (unpaid) leave per year for serious medical care purposes.
Lastly, the current entitlement to breastfeeding breaks, which allows women to take time off from work each day in order to breastfeed, will be extended from six months to two years. This legislation should be passed and enacted prior to the summer recess (see press release).
(Article published in IR Notes 185 – 4 May 2022)
Transposition of the directive on work-life balance
Date of publication
21 April 2022
Available language
English
Country/countries concerned
Ireland
Categories
European company (SE) | IR Doc | Studies and reports
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