Parental leave Update – Increase to 26 weeks from 1st September 2020

On 1^st September 2020 we saw the second of two changes to parental leave entitlements take effect under the Parental Leave (Amendment) Act 2019 (the “Act”). The Act was introduced in July 2019 and modernised the parental leave entitlements set out under the Parental Leave Acts 1998-2019. The Act increased parental leave from 18 weeks to 22 weeks on 1^st September 2019 and again from 22 weeks to 26 on 1^st September 2020. Prior to the introduction of the Act, leave could only be taken for an eligible child before their 8^th birthday. However, the Act also increased the age of an eligible child in respect of whom leave can be taken from 8 to 12 (16 in the case of a child with a disability).

What does this mean for Employers?

Employers should amend their current policies to reflect the recent legislative changes. Consideration should be given to the possible effects, if any at all, brought about the legislative update and how best to manage such effects.