The People Bulletin

It was Alan Johnson, the former Trade Secretary who, back in 2005, developed the family-friendly plan of amending parental rights so that fathers could take six months of paternity leave once a child was six months old so that mothers could go back to work. Under the present rules, fathers are entitled to a mere two weeks off – which is usually taken after the birth of the baby.

This was part of Labour’s election manifesto and also included a proposal to extend paid maternity leave from nine to twelve months. Lesbian and gay couples in civil partnerships would also have been able to share maternity leave.

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson is now ‘reviewing the proposals’ after criticism from business leaders who are worried about the cost implications. The department for business released a statement confirming: ‘We are continuing to review the appropriateness of all new regulations due to come into force in the current economic climate. It is only right that in touch economic times we look afresh at the costs and benefits of new regulations.’

The CIPD has welcomed Lord Mandelson’s decision with a caveat that the issue of balancing parental leave is not going to go away but must be addressed in the medium term. Mike Emmott, Employee Relations Adviser said: ‘While pleased that this particular proposal has been shelved, we do not believe it is sustainable for this issue to be kicked into the long grass.

There is certain to be growing pressure for the issue of paternity leave to be addressed. The recession-inspired shelving of the existing proposals must be used by politicians and business leaders to come up with workable proposals that balance competing demands in a way that works for business.’

Further information on the current rules regarding parental leave is available on the government’s information site:
www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Moneyandworkentitlements/WorkAndFamilies/index.htm