The Government announced today plans over the next 2 years to introduce a years shared parental leave in response to a ‘growing desire for dads to be more hands on’.
Nick Clegg, Deputy Prime Minister has described the current system of parental leave as ‘Edwardian’ and has proposed that over the next 2 years parental leave be extended to 52 weeks, with parents being able to divide and share the time as they wish, with the exception of the first 2 weeks which must be taken by the mother. It is suggested that this will enable ‘dads to be more involved’ and ‘mums to be able to return to work quicker’.
It is understood that the Trade Unions and CBI are supportive of these changes, however the Institute of Directors have described it as a ‘nightmare for employers’.
What are your thoughts is this a positive cultural shift or just another burden for employers?
