ICTU seeks paid leave

All workers need paid parental leave to achieve a good work-life balance, it was claimed yesterday.

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions said provision for 14 weeks’ unpaid leave discriminated in favour of the better off, who could afford to take time out.

“This will lead to the creation of a two-tier workforce,” said Assistant General Secretary, Sally Anne Kinahan.

She was speaking at a ceremony to mark Work Life Balance Day, designed to help give workers more time to deal with family and personal interests.

Junior Labour Affairs Minister Tony Killeen said work-life balance is essential to increase female participation in the workforce. IBEC said 61% of firms offer flexible working arrangements.