An announcement this week, by Employment Relations Minister Jim Fitzpatrick, lays out the definition for carers right to request flexible working, which will come into effect on the 6th April 2007.
Workers who care for someone can have a great deal of stress at home, which may then lead to added stress in the workplace, perhaps even leading to accidents, illness and days lost at work.
The right to request flexible working for carers' definition: an employee who is or expects to be caring for an adult, is laid out as follows:
- Someone who is married to, or the partner or civil partner of the employee; or
- Someone who is a near relative of the employee; or
- Anyone not falling into either category but lives at the same address as the employee.
The term "near relative" includes the following:
- Parents of the employee.
- Parent-in-laws of the employee.
- Adult child.
- Adopted adult child.
- Siblings (including those who are in-laws).
- Uncles, aunts or grandparents and step-relatives.
Employment Relations Minister, Jim Fitzpatrick said:
"The Government understands how difficult it can be for people to balance their work with caring for someone who is sick or disabled. We want to make sure that as many carers as possible have the right to request flexible working while at the same time not placing an unnecessary burden on business.
"We consulted with business, unions and carer's groups about the definition of which carers will be covered by the legislation. We have decided to go with the option that best balances the views of these groups and will cover around 80% of carers."
Further information on the right to flexible working for carers can be accessed from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Website by clicking the following:
Department of Trade & Industry Website
Article by Alexandra Johnston
