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03/05/2006
Minister Announces Amendments To Carer's Leave Act 2001
Minister for Labour Affairs Tony Killeen has announced that the Carer’s Leave Act 2001 has been amended under the Social Welfare Law Reform and Pensions Act 2006 to provide for an increase in Carer’s Leave entitlements to workers from 65 weeks to 104 weeks.
Welcoming the change, Minister Killeen said: "The maximum entitlement to carer’s leave for eligible employees under the Carer’s Leave Act 2001 has been extended from 65 weeks to 104 weeks (or 2 years) with effect from 24th March 2006. This extended entitlement applies to employees who apply for carer’s leave on or after that date."
A number of employees are already on Carer’s Leave from their employment under arrangements agreed with their employers. Such employees who wish to avail of the extended maximum entitlement should, however, return to work on the agreed date and then re-apply for the balance.
Minister Killeen urged employers and employees involved in any such existing arrangements to continue to honour these commitments, mindful of the changes made to the 2001 Act regarding the extension of the duration of Carer’s Leave to two years.
He added: "The change to the 2001 Act is further recognition of the important role played by carers in our society and we must continue to provide support and practical assistance to these carers. The Carer’s Leave Act makes it possible for workers to make the temporary choice of becoming a carer without loss of employment and where possible care recipients may be cared for in the home."
Regulations, to be made shortly under Social Welfare legislation, will allow carers to work for up to 15 hours per week compared with the current limit of 10 hours from the beginning of June.
“This will allow employers to continue to avail of the services of valued employees on a part-time basis while, at the same time, recognising the sensitivities of individual situations," Minister Killeen added.
Since the Carer’s Leave Act 2001 came into effect in July 2001, 3,641 workers have availed of Carer’s Leave.
(CD)
Welcoming the change, Minister Killeen said: "The maximum entitlement to carer’s leave for eligible employees under the Carer’s Leave Act 2001 has been extended from 65 weeks to 104 weeks (or 2 years) with effect from 24th March 2006. This extended entitlement applies to employees who apply for carer’s leave on or after that date."
A number of employees are already on Carer’s Leave from their employment under arrangements agreed with their employers. Such employees who wish to avail of the extended maximum entitlement should, however, return to work on the agreed date and then re-apply for the balance.
Minister Killeen urged employers and employees involved in any such existing arrangements to continue to honour these commitments, mindful of the changes made to the 2001 Act regarding the extension of the duration of Carer’s Leave to two years.
He added: "The change to the 2001 Act is further recognition of the important role played by carers in our society and we must continue to provide support and practical assistance to these carers. The Carer’s Leave Act makes it possible for workers to make the temporary choice of becoming a carer without loss of employment and where possible care recipients may be cared for in the home."
Regulations, to be made shortly under Social Welfare legislation, will allow carers to work for up to 15 hours per week compared with the current limit of 10 hours from the beginning of June.
“This will allow employers to continue to avail of the services of valued employees on a part-time basis while, at the same time, recognising the sensitivities of individual situations," Minister Killeen added.
Since the Carer’s Leave Act 2001 came into effect in July 2001, 3,641 workers have availed of Carer’s Leave.
(CD)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A mild and breezy Christmas Day. Also rather cloudy but mainly dry with a few bright or sunny spells developing, more especially over parts of Antrim and County Down. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy, mainly dry at first this evening but then occasional outbreaks of rain developing overnight. Light southwest winds, and staying mild. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
