Menu
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)
Related Northern Ireland Recruitment News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 April 2007
UK Legislation Provides Flexibility For Carers And Working Parents
From April 2007, employees who are new parents or who have caring responsibilities for an adult are set to benefit from changes to UK law. A key part of the new package of measures is an extension of the right to request flexible working arrangements.
UK Legislation Provides Flexibility For Carers And Working Parents
From April 2007, employees who are new parents or who have caring responsibilities for an adult are set to benefit from changes to UK law. A key part of the new package of measures is an extension of the right to request flexible working arrangements.
02 December 2016
Foster Carers Set To Resign
GMB, the union for foster carers, has expressed anger after Calderdale Council nodded through changes to foster carers' terms and conditions. A protest was held outside Halifax Town Hall prior to the full council meeting to show the strength of feeling among those affected.
Foster Carers Set To Resign
GMB, the union for foster carers, has expressed anger after Calderdale Council nodded through changes to foster carers' terms and conditions. A protest was held outside Halifax Town Hall prior to the full council meeting to show the strength of feeling among those affected.
10 July 2001
NEW LEGISLATION ALLOWS CARER’S LEAVE
NEW legislation has been implemented for workers in the Republic of Ireland allowing them to avail of leave from their job should they need time to care for someone in need of full time attention.
NEW LEGISLATION ALLOWS CARER’S LEAVE
NEW legislation has been implemented for workers in the Republic of Ireland allowing them to avail of leave from their job should they need time to care for someone in need of full time attention.
18 March 2003
Employment legislation warning
UK employment law specialists Addleshaw Booth & Co is warning businesses of all sizes to be ready when many of the key provisions of the new Employment Act come into force on April 6. The new laws include improved maternity rights and new rights to adoption leave and paternity leave.
Employment legislation warning
UK employment law specialists Addleshaw Booth & Co is warning businesses of all sizes to be ready when many of the key provisions of the new Employment Act come into force on April 6. The new laws include improved maternity rights and new rights to adoption leave and paternity leave.
22 March 2007
Minister Announces Publication Of Guide To The Employees Act
Mr Tony Killeen, Irish Minister for Labour Affairs at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, has drawn attention to the fact that companies with at least 100 employees will fall within the scope of the Employees (Provision of Information and Consultation) Act 2006 from 23rd March 2007.
Minister Announces Publication Of Guide To The Employees Act
Mr Tony Killeen, Irish Minister for Labour Affairs at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, has drawn attention to the fact that companies with at least 100 employees will fall within the scope of the Employees (Provision of Information and Consultation) Act 2006 from 23rd March 2007.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
