HR Industry News

Views sought on paternity proposals

— 24 May 2007 —

The government is asking businesses for their views on proposals which could see parents sharing childcare responsibilities and fathers taking up to 26 weeks' paternity leave.

Under the proposals, fathers would be able to take the leave if certain conditions were met, such as the mother returning to work.

Additional paternity leave and pay will also be available to partners and civil partners of mothers and members of adopting couples who meet the eligibility criteria.

If a mother wants to return to work before her child's first birthday, the father will be able to take some or all of the second half of the child's first year as paid paternity leave, explained Jim Fitzpatrick, the government’s employment relations minister.

For the first time ever, this will give parents the flexibility to divide a period of paid leave between them, he added.

Before the plans are implemented, the government is looking for feedback from business and other stakeholders on whether the father and mother should be able to self-certify themselves as eligible.

It will also be undertaking a consultation on how the scheme will work in practice and whether checklists and forms would allow employers to administer the scheme effectively.

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