GRANNY LEAVE

Could ‘Granny Leave’ Feed Discrimination?

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, has recognised the plight of working women over the age of 50 years who are looking after elderly parents.  This is admirable and not a moment too soon.  The job of looking after children and elderly parents invariably falls on the shoulders of women, even in today’s enlightened society.  This is a tough call and many women are at the end of their tether trying to juggle family responsibilities and work.

One proposal suggested is Granny Leave, whereby women in particular can take up to 6 months off work to look after an elderly parent and have the statutory right to return to work after that period.

Great idea, but can employers afford such a luxury?  It is hard enough for them to finance maternity and in some cases paternity leave. 

Could this not feed age and gender discrimination?

Put yourself in the employer’s shoes.  Young people need training, so as an employer you provide relevant courses.  Then the women go on maternity leave, so you have to find a temp to cover for them, more training and more cost.  Sometimes the new mother decides not to return to work, so you have to start the whole process again. 

I’m sure employers do not allow this to influence who they employ, but how will they feel if they are told older women can have 6 months off too?  Could this quietly make hiring younger men more attractive?  This seems a step in the wrong direction to fair opportunities for all.

When I work with companies we talk a lot about recognising the strain on employees who look after their mother or father.  Often it goes unnoticed amongst managers and all they see is an employee not pulling their weight or taking a lot of ‘sick leave’.  This is totally unsatisfactory for everyone.

Of course, acknowledging the problem, discussing it and coming to a mutually beneficial answer is the best way forward.  And I have found that the answer is often flexible hours, which is another proposal reported in the press recently.  If an employee is given the freedom to come in late or leave early to take a parent to a hospital appointment or eye test, they will feel an enormous loyalty to the company and make sure they are as productive as they can be.  

An agreement between employer and employee can be made to make sure both parties understand the parameters.  This will result in mutual trust and mutual gain.  It’s a win win situation and avoids potential age and gender discrimination.