The downside is they don't get to spend much time together as a family. But banking union BIFU has negotiated up to one week's paid leave per year for parental reasons, a benefit John is very grateful for, especially as neither he nor his wife has any immediate family living nearby. Michelle Hickey worked as a stores person for a car components distributor, in a job that involved much lifting and carrying. When she became pregnant, and was no longer able to undertake those particular tasks, the company refused to offer her alternative work, and would only give her sick pay. Michelle subsequently took her employer to an employment tribunal and was successful in winning back her full pay.
Unions really do hold the key.
Where unions are recognised in the workplace, you'll find the most family-friendly employers. And although the Employment Relations Act will be a boon to working parents everywhere, there's still clearly a long way to go. Family-friendly working is an increasingly important issue for workers and their families. The guide will be a valuable source of information and advice to workers, employers and representatives. It will also help to promote awareness of the new rights to parental leave, emergency time off and improved maternity rights which are being introduced by the Employment Relations Bill.