Flexible parental leave consultation launched
A consultation has been launched by the Government to consider
making the parental leave system more flexible.
Keen to create a 'modern workplace for the modern economy,' the
Government are looking to replace the archaic, rigid regulations
with a far greater choice of parental leave.
Under the 'Modern Workplaces’ proposals – which, if agreed,
would come into affect in 2015 – parents could share the overall
leave allowance between them once the first weeks of leave are
over. The new system would allow parents to take the leave either
at the same time or separately in a number of different blocks. All
new parents would also gain the right to request flexible working
from their employers.
The flexibility will extend to employers too, who would be able
to request that employees return for short periods to help cover
peak business times. Depending on business needs, they may also be
able to request that paternal leave was taken in one continuous
block.
Vince Cable, Business Secretary, said, “Our proposals will
encourage greater choice by giving employees and their employers
the flexibility to find arrangements to suit them both.
"Employers should be encouraged to come to agreement with
employees on how work and family responsibilities can be met
simultaneously ... We will ensure that businesses will still be
able to take into account their needs when agreeing how leave can
be taken,” he added.