New Plans for Parental Leave

Author: Alexis Asher

Nick Clegg has today outlined plans to introduce a reformed system of parental leave to be in place by 2015.

Following proposals by the previous Government, certain changes are already coming into force in April of this year, which mean that a father will be able to take up the balance of his partner’s maternity leave, in the event that the mother returns to work without having taken a full year of her maternity leave. The father will be able to take up to a maximum of six months.

The current Government do not believe these changes are going far enough, and want to introduce a new scheme of flexible shared parental leave by 2015. Consultation is to begin in the next month.

The proposals to be considered include amongst others, allowing fathers to take over a mother’s leave after six weeks so she can return to work early in her period of maternity leave, and allowing parents to choose when to take portions of their leave, rather than having to use it in one go.

The Government believe that the new scheme will introduce a more modern system which recognises that it is not always the mother who wants to stay at home following the birth of a child. Nick Clegg has also emphasised the importance of a father’s role in a child’s life, and believes it is unfair of the current system to deny men the opportunity of spending a lengthy period of time with their children.

However, critics are concerned that the proposals will cause chaos for companies, who will be confused as to their obligations. There is also the risk that the changes will impact upon the recruitment practices of companies, who may fear employing, not only women, but any person, who is likely to be starting a family. This could in turn increase the likelihood of litigation, resulting in claims of age discrimination. In the current economic climate, many believe the Government are taking a huge risk in tampering with an already complex area of employment legislation.

Should you require any specific advice on matters raised in this blog, please contact the Employment Team at SA Law on 01727 798000