Changes in care leave

With the introduction of the Act on the Modernisation of Leave and Working Hours Regulations on 1 July 2015, the government aims to make it easier to combine work and care.

Friends or family of people who need care initially provide that care themselves. The new, expanded rules for short-term and long-term care leave are intended to facilitate this.

Care leave

As of 1 July 2015, the rules regarding (taking) care leave have been adjusted. Care leave is the leave that an employee can take to care for, for example, a sick child or family member.

There are two types of care leave: short-term care leave and long-term care leave. Both schemes have certain conditions attached for taking them.

Short-term care leave

As an employee, you can apply for short-term care leave in connection with the necessary care of a loved one. Until 1 July 2015, you could only apply for care leave for a resident child, partner, or parent. Now it is also possible to apply for leave for, for example, your grandfather or sister (second-degree blood relative), someone who lives with you, and for the person with whom you have a social relationship in another way. The duration of the leave per year is a maximum of twice the working hours per week. If you have a 38-hour contract, you may take up to 76 hours of leave. The leave must be reported to the employer as soon as possible, and you should also indicate how you wish to take the leave. During the leave, you receive 70% salary payment.

Long-term care leave

Following short-term care leave, long-term care leave can be taken. However, this is without salary payment. This leave is intended for the (life-threateningly) ill or dependent loved one. You can take up to six times the working hours per week in a year, and it must be reported in writing at least two weeks in advance. You should immediately state the reason and manner of taking the leave.

In both cases, the employer cannot simply refuse the request. This is only permissible if the company experiences serious problems due to the leave. If you have questions or cannot immediately resolve the issue with your employer, contact the Information and Advice Centre (VIC).

Telephone number for members: 036-535 85 95
Telephone number for non-members: 0900 - 239 10 00 (€ 0.50 per minute)

Note: in CLAs, deviations from this scheme may be made to the advantage or disadvantage of the employee. Consult the CLA for the correct arrangement.