Employment Bill proposals to assist working parents

The world of work must react to the needs of the modern economy and of working parents, according to Minister for Employment and Learning, Carmel Hanna.

Detailing the proposals contained in the new Employment Bill to Members of the Legislative Assembly at Stormont on Wednesday May 29, Carmel Hanna said: "Today marks the first stage of the passage of the Bill which proposes a series of measures designed to help employees balance their family and employment responsibilities, whilst taking account of the needs of business.

"The Bill provides for new rights for fathers and adoptive parents to paid time off, the extension of the amount of paid and unpaid leave available to new mothers, and a new right for parents of young children to request flexible working conditions."

Recognising that employers in Northern Ireland may have concerns about the introduction of the new measures Mrs Hanna said: "Of course there will be some costs to employers, for example in setting up systems to administer the new arrangements, and in facilitating flexible working requests. However there will be advantages for employers too, with reduced recruitment and retraining costs.

"The costs in relation to the adoption, paternity and maternity provisions are not overly burdensome, and can be recouped in full by small businesses."

In her closing remarks Carmel Hanna renewed her commitment to promoting measures to improve work and lifestyle balance: "My Department has carried out extensive public consultation on all of the proposals contained in the new Employment Bill and I am pleased to say they have received widespread support. I am confident that the provisions will have a positive impact on people’s lives, benefiting business, parents and children, and I look forward to taking this Bill through the Assembly."

(MB)