Court ruling extends workplace disability protection to carers (24/7/08)
July 25, 2008 at 10:31 am Leave a comment
A landmark decision handed down by the European Court of Justice last week is being described as a significant boost for carers’ rights. The case concerns a London woman who took legal action against her former employers, claiming they had discriminated against her because of her disabled son. The UK tribunal referred the matter to the European court, which ruled that the EU directive banning workplace discrimination on the grounds of disability is not limited to disabled people themselves, but extends to those caring for others.
Independent MEP Kathy Sinnott, founder of an EU Special Interest Group for Carers, said, ‘This is a positive and very welcome development for people who are trying to juggle work and looking after someone – it recognises caring as a legitimate consideration in their employment. It will force firms in Ireland across the EU to ensure that any flexible working policies they offer also apply to those with caring responsibilities.’
Entry filed under: Disability and the EU, Health and the EU, Human rights and the EU, Transport and the EU. Tags: .
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