The Portuguese Authority for Working Conditions (ACT) highlighted on Tuesday that the Labor Code acknowledges the status of caregiving workers, emphasizing the specific rights attributed to them.
“For the purposes of the Labor Code, a caregiving worker is someone who has been recognized as a secondary informal caregiver under applicable legislation, upon presentation of the respective proof,” as stated on the ACT website.
The ACT outlines that an individual can be considered a secondary informal caregiver if they meet one of the following criteria:
- The spouse or partner in a de facto union;
- A relative or close connection up to the 4th degree of direct or collateral line of the person being cared for; or
- Someone who, without any family ties to the person cared for, resides with them, providing regular but not permanent care;
- They may receive or not receive compensation for professional activities or for the care provided to the person cared for.
- Parents with a shared custody arrangement of the person cared for.
What rights are granted?
- Leave entitlements;
- Exemptions;
- Absences;
- Work time organization;
- Protection against dismissal;
- Protection against discrimination.
