Employers should not hold their breath for a fast-track decision on whether
parental leave rights are to be extended, delegates to the employers’ Law
briefing will be told later this month. Hopes have faded of a swift passage
through the European Court of Justice for the TUC’s challenge on the
implementation of the law, according to Cherie Booth QC, who is leading the
case.
The bombshell comes in a presentation by Helen Froud, director of corporate
services at Worcestershire County Council. "We are likely to be left high
and dry for about 18 months," said Froud. "I will argue that is
enough time for organisations to get the parental leave processes working
properly."
Booth argued that the Government failed to implement the EU directive
properly when it limited the rights to parents of children born after 5
December 1999.
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The Irish government recently caved in to a similar challenge and changed
its laws.
For more about the employers’ Law briefing, sponsored by Pinsent Curtis, on
22 September, contact 020-8652 3731.
