ByteSize

The government has sparked controversy with a suggestion that carers might be entitled to paid time off to look after dependents, and that temporary workers might qualify for the same rights. The Equalities Office insists nothing concrete has been decided, but employers representatives reacted negatively to the suggestion.

Other countries do provide such paid leave. In the Netherlands employees can have up to 10 days paid leave to care for a sick partner or parent, part of the cost of which is payable by the state, whilst in Australia all employees receive paid emergency leave