Flights being stopped is a brave move
With regard to Hayley Skirka's piece
UAE to ground all passenger flights in and out of the country
(March 23):
this must have been a hard decision to take b
ut it is the right one and may such wise choices protect us all.
Christina Toebast, Dubai
This is a sensible move. It is better to stop everything for a few weeks till the virus is contained and everything goes back to normal soon.
Fady Sokhon, Abu Dhabi
Jail conditions are a great cause of worry
In reference to the report New York's prisons record 38 coronavirus cases (March 22): it is an alarming sign that so many inmates, even apart from former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, were found positive for coronavirus. The report mentioned 12 staff members as well. None of this bodes well for the more than 2.2 million people jailed in the US. We also need to think about prisoners in less developed countries. In tightly cramped jail conditions, the risk will perhaps only fully be realised in the weeks and months to come.
K Ragavan, Bengaluru, India
A good long practice of distance learning
With reference to the report Coronavirus: Distance learning a vital tool during 'extraordinary circumstances' (March 22):
Absolutely. By the end of this all educators will be better at using technology. Teachers need to have a positive attitude towards remote learning and make the best of a challenging phase.
Deepa Ramachandran Sudhi, Dubai
My kids are also having virtual classes. It's good to see teachers committed and in times like these when kids are inside, it's great for them to interact with their friends and teachers.
Anam Butt, Islamabad, Pakistan
It is inxplicable though why some universities are making their professors go in to work and then teach their classes online from work.
Paul Dessoir, Al Ain
Skewed figures
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
SPECS
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ELIO
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5
What can you do?
Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses
Seek professional advice from a legal expert
You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor
You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline
In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support
The%20specs
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