So how radical are the Governments proposals to introduce shared parental leave and pay

At the beginning of February of this year the Government finally published its Children and Families Bill (CFB) having completed its consultation process on “Modern Workplaces”. Many consider the most radical proposal to come out of it is the new concept of shared parental leave and pay.

In summary, eligible employees will be entitled to a maximum of 52 weeks' leave and 39 weeks' statutory pay upon the birth or adoption of a child. However, the parents will now be able to share all of this leave and pay (except the first two weeks). It is intended that employees will be able to take leave in a single period, or non-consecutive periods, and that parents can take leave separately or concurrently. The rate of pay will be the same as statutory maternity pay. Those on shared parental leave will enjoy similar protections to women on statutory maternity leave. Ordinary paternity leave will still be available. It is not due to take effect until 2015.

The idea behind it is of course to be commended, after all why shouldn’t fathers be as responsible for the early upbringing of their children as mothers. Also, why should mothers so often suffer a career penalty just because they are the only ones able to bear children? Only time will tell as to whether fathers will want to take up this new right or in fact whether mothers will want to return to work earlier. There are of course those who don’t like it and view it as just more red tape for employers to cope with at time of continued economic uncertainty. Radical? Well yes, I think it could be if properly taken up by employees and supported by employers. Roll on 2015.

If you would like any further information please contact: Henry Doswell on 01689 887846 or email henry.doswell@cwj.co.uk