Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1994, published 81st ILC session (1994)

Referring to its previous comments concerning any measures taken with respect to workers with responsibilities in relation to members of their families other than dependent children, the Committee notes with interest the recent amendments made to the 1966 National Insurance Act. Under these, an insured person who is home nursing a person with whom he or she has a close relationship is entitled, during the terminal phase of an illness or injury, to daily cash benefits (under the rules concerning such payments for an insured person's illness) for a period of up to 20 days. In addition, a person who has been caring for elderly, sick or handicapped persons who are not in an institution, may be credited with pension points for each calendar year in which he/she has provided such care, provided that the care has amounted to at least six months of the year in question and has been so extensive that the person has essentially been prevented from supporting him or herself. (This latter benefit also applies to persons caring for children under 7 years of age.)

The Committee is raising certain other points in a request addressed directly to the Government.