Observation (CEACR) - adoptée 2001, publiée 90ème session CIT (2002)

The Committee notes with interest that the Government has amended the Workplace Relations Act with the aim of promoting employment by accommodating the needs of workers, particularly older workers and women. The amendments permit employers and workers to negotiate alternative working arrangements, such as job sharing, part-time work and gradual phasing in of retirement. An employer is now prohibited from firing an older worker unless he or she can prove that the age limit is an inherent requirement of the job; and compulsory retirement at 65 years of age in the public sector has been abolished. There are also special programmes to help the re-entry of people who have left the labour market to care for others. The Committee would appreciate continuing to receive information on the impact of the Workplace Relations Act on employment promotion.