Tim Kellett
PAYdata Blog, January 21 2011
 

The government has launched a consultation on a “flexible system of shared parental leave”, to be introduced before 2015.

In the last few days, the Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has explained plans to allow couples to share maternity leave.  The changes will allow fathers to take up any remaining unpaid leave (following the first six weeks after birth at 90 per cent of full pay) if their partner returns to work early.  In some cases, this could account for up to ten months.

The government has also hinted that it will reveal more about extending grandparents and close family friends’ rights to ask for flexible working hours, and allowing parents to take leave concurrently rather than separately.

The underlying premise behind the mooted changes is that the existing system leans towards the traditional view of working men and women.  Indeed, Mr Clegg says the existing rules "patronise women and marginalise men".

There has been a mixed response from business leaders to Nick Clegg’s comments.  Some have welcomed the shared leave plans, arguing the current system lags behind Europe.  Others argue, however, that the changes will simply increase the administrative burden and general disruption for employers, particularly small businesses.  However, some commentators say that it may help if it is planned properly and in particular, if parents are allowed to take blocks of leave in one go.

You could argue that, with the rising cost of childcare and more and more parents wishing to balance their work and life more effectively; increasing the flexibility maternity arrangements could help.

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