Menu
09/07/2001
SURVEY REVEALS CONFUSION ABOUT MATERNITY LEAVE
EMPLOYEES are ‘massively ignorant’ about their entitlement to parental and maternity leave, according to a new survey by recruitment specialists Eden Brown.
The organisation’s annual Employee Attitudes Survey revealed a wide range of misconceptions. Concerning the period of unpaid parental leave covering the first five years of a child’s life, almost four out of ten respondents underestimated the leave period substantially, putting the figure at five weeks. Only two per cent identified the correct figure of 13 weeks.
In addition, more than half of those questioned either overestimated or underestimated the number of weeks paid leave and time allowed off work to care for dependents after they had worked for an employer for over a year. One in four people believed the allowance between 20 and 28 weeks, while one in five believed the period of paid leave was less than ten weeks.
Ian Wolter, Managing Director of Eden Brown, said: “It is extraordinary that there is such massive ignorance about parental leave entitlement. One might ask why the Government is not doing more to publicise this important family information.
“In fact, beyond the statutory leave, all employees are entitled to take reasonable time off work to deal with an emergency or unexpected situation involving a dependent.” (CL)
The organisation’s annual Employee Attitudes Survey revealed a wide range of misconceptions. Concerning the period of unpaid parental leave covering the first five years of a child’s life, almost four out of ten respondents underestimated the leave period substantially, putting the figure at five weeks. Only two per cent identified the correct figure of 13 weeks.
In addition, more than half of those questioned either overestimated or underestimated the number of weeks paid leave and time allowed off work to care for dependents after they had worked for an employer for over a year. One in four people believed the allowance between 20 and 28 weeks, while one in five believed the period of paid leave was less than ten weeks.
Ian Wolter, Managing Director of Eden Brown, said: “It is extraordinary that there is such massive ignorance about parental leave entitlement. One might ask why the Government is not doing more to publicise this important family information.
“In fact, beyond the statutory leave, all employees are entitled to take reasonable time off work to deal with an emergency or unexpected situation involving a dependent.” (CL)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 March 2024
Mums At Work To Inspire Businesswomen Across NI
Mums At Work CIC will be showcasing a full day of inspiring speakers at their flagship event Elevate Your Business, later this month. Taking place from 10am-4pm on Monday March 25 at the Tullyglass Hotel in Ballymena, the event is designed for business women who want to take their business to the next level.
Mums At Work To Inspire Businesswomen Across NI
Mums At Work CIC will be showcasing a full day of inspiring speakers at their flagship event Elevate Your Business, later this month. Taking place from 10am-4pm on Monday March 25 at the Tullyglass Hotel in Ballymena, the event is designed for business women who want to take their business to the next level.
08 March 2024
Remarkable Marketing Awards Deadline Extended
Organisers behind Northern Ireland's inaugural marketing awards have extended the deadline for nominations. The Remarkable Marketing Awards have been so well received according to organisers they have been inundated with requests to extend the deadline. Nominations are now open until midnight 14th March.
Remarkable Marketing Awards Deadline Extended
Organisers behind Northern Ireland's inaugural marketing awards have extended the deadline for nominations. The Remarkable Marketing Awards have been so well received according to organisers they have been inundated with requests to extend the deadline. Nominations are now open until midnight 14th March.
24 August 2001
TUC calls for three more bank holidays a year
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has called on the British government to review bank holiday entitlement and to give British workers an extra three days every year.
TUC calls for three more bank holidays a year
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has called on the British government to review bank holiday entitlement and to give British workers an extra three days every year.
13 June 2006
Low paid workers to benefit from more annual leave
Plans to ensure that workers get to take paid leave for bank holidays in addition to the statutory four weeks annual leave, have been set out in a government consultation.
Low paid workers to benefit from more annual leave
Plans to ensure that workers get to take paid leave for bank holidays in addition to the statutory four weeks annual leave, have been set out in a government consultation.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry evening with late sunny spells and some long clear spells overnight. Becoming cloudier across the north towards dawn with a few showers possible. Touch of frost in south. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
