Written question asked by David Drew (Labour) on Wednesday, 8 December 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 December 1999. It was answered by Alan Johnson (Labour) on Monday, 13 December 1999 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what plans he has to provide employment protection to employees taking compassionate leave to care for terminally-ill relatives and friends.

Answer: Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to provide employment protection to employees taking compassionate leave to care for terminally ill relatives and friends. [102538] Mr. Alan Johnson: From 15 December 1999, all employees will be entitled to take a reasonable amount of time off work to deal with an emergency involving a dependant, and will be protected from dismissal or detriment for doing so. For the first time, employees will be able to take a short amount of leave when a dependant falls ill, which will help them make longer term care arrangements. As part of our wider strategy of promoting family friendly employment policies, we will be encouraging employers to go beyond the legal minimum, for example, by providing longer periods of leave to employees on compassionate grounds.

Secondary information