Govt to reform law on paternity leave

Posted 15/05/2011

New parents may be interested to hear that the government is planning an overhaul of employment law to give fathers more rights to time off work.

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has today (May 16th) launched a consultation on plans to introduce new flexible working arrangements that could see mothers and fathers share their parental leave allowances.

Unlike the current system, this could mean both parents may be off work at the same time and leave could be taken in a number of different blocks.

The proposals include giving parents an extra 30 weeks of leave, which could be taken by either partner and broken up in a way that is convenient for them.

Business secretary Vince Cable said: “These measures are fairer for fathers and maintain the existing entitlements for mothers – but crucially give parents much greater choice over how to balance their work and family commitments.”

Last week, the department also announced it would look to reform rules on discrimination compensation and redundancy procedures to cut red tape for employers.