Maternity Leave to Be Shared from 2015

The governments plans to overhaul the current maternity leave system have been met with a “”cautious welcome”" by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

Originally proposed by the previous government, the plans will allow a father to take any remaining unpaid maternity leave should his partner opt to return to work early.  Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said that the government would consult on a “”proper”" system of shared parental leave to be introduced in 2015, as the current rules “”patronise women and marginalise men”".

Mike Emmott, Employee Relations adviser at the CIPD, pointed out the potential uncertainty arising from the changes in response.  “”We will wait to see the detail of how employers will be affected,”" he said.  “”Clearly there will be problems extending the existing entitlement to paternity leave in a way that doesn’t increase uncertainty for employers”".

At Muckle LLP, our employment team regularly advises employers on equality and diversity issues and the practical applications of the laws to their employees, from the first steps of recruitment to the ending of any employment relationship.   For further information please contact Paul Johnstone, call 0191 211 7936 or alternatively email us at [email protected].