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?
