30 Jun New Leave Entitlements Come Into Effect

From Monday 3rd July 2023, parts of the Work LIfe Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 will come into effect and employees who are parents and carers will now be entitled to avail of unpaid leave for medical purposes.

Up to 5 days unpaid leave will be available in any 12 consecutive month period, for medical care purposes and for providing medical care or support to certain specified persons including:

Children

Spouse/Civil Partner

Cohabitant

Parent

Grandparent

Sibling or

A Person residing in same household

who needs significant care or support for a serious medical reason.

There is no service requirement for the leave and it must be taken in periods of at least one day.

Relevant evidence may be requested by an employer which is defined as a medical certificate or such other evidence as may be reasonably required.

An employee may not be penalised for taking leave or requesting leave for medical care purposes.

In addiiton, breastfeeding breaks which are currently available for a 6 month period after giving birth have been extended to a two year period after birth.

It has also been indicated that the proposed domestic violence leave will be enacted in the Autumn, and the long awaited right to request remote working also due in the Autumn once the WRC has prepared the relevant Code of Practice.