Work-Life Balance Act Extends Leave for Mothers and Carers

A range of new employment rights for parents and carers, conferred by the Work-Life Balance Provisions Act 2023, came into effect on Monday, 3 July 2023. This includes the introduction of leave for medical care purposes and amendments to the Maternity Protection Acts to provide for the extension of breastfeeding breaks.

The Maternity Protection Act 1994 will be amended and extends the period allowing mothers to take breaks to breastfeed or express milk from 26 to 104 weeks. The Parental Leave Act 1998 will be amended to now introduce 5 days unpaid leave in any 12-month period for medical care purposes for parents of children under 12, and carers who provide significant care for a child, co-habitant/spouse, parent grandparent, or someone who resides with the employee.

The legislation providing for domestic violence leave is expected in the autumn of 2023 and the right to request flexible working for parents and carers will be commenced following the preparation of a Code of Practice by the WRC.

Employers will need to have these changes reflected in a company handbook and amend the relevant policies.

For further information, please contact jim.curran@ipu.ie.