Ireland’s Work-Life Balance Bill Moving Forward

Ireland’s Work-Life Balance BillLast year Ireland’s Work-Life Balance Bill made its way through the legislature and is now before the Irish senate. The bill’s goal is to increase women’s participation in the workforce and support flexible working arrangements and family-related leave.

Employee eligibility – The bill includes full and part-time employees with children up to age 12 or 16 if the child has a disability or chronic illness. Employees must be employed by their company for at least six months. Requests for this leave must be submitted in writing. The extension of maternity leave for transgender men is also included in the bill.

Employer responsibilities – Employers have four weeks to accept, deny or postpone their decision on the request. Leave can be delayed for up to six months for various reasons. Once the employee’s request is accepted, employers need to draw up an agreement on the terms of the leave.

This page has more detailed information about the bill currently before the Irish senate. More background on the bill is available here.

 

Glennon, Asinta’s employee benefits consulting Partner, provided this information on Ireland’s Work-Life Balance Bill. If you need support with your employee benefits in Ireland, please get in touch with Asinta, and we will connect you with Glennon.