SlideShare une entreprise Scribd logo
1  sur  2
New parental leave and flexible working
                 announcements
After days of speculation in the media and, in a bid to “to achieve fully shared childcare from
day one” of a child’s life, the Government has today, Tuesday 13th November 2012,
announced its intentions for changing parental leave and the right to request flexible working.
In summary, the changes are:

      After an initial two weeks’ compulsory maternity leave taken by the mother, eligible
       parents will be able to convert the remaining maternity leave and pay into ‘flexible
       parental leave’ and pay and share it between them – taking it in turns or taking time
       off together.
      Flexible parental leave will be subject to a limit of 50 weeks’ leave in total and 37
       weeks’ statutory pay.
      Adopters will have the same rights as other parents to maternity leave and pay: they
       will no longer be required to complete 26 weeks’ employment and adoption pay will be
       the same as maternity pay. Where eligible, they will also be able to take flexible
       parental leave.
      Fathers and partners of pregnant women will be given a right to take unpaid leave to
       attend two antenatal appointments.
      Paternity leave will remain at two weeks but will be reviewed in 2018.
      Surrogate parents who meet the criteria to apply for a Parental Order will be eligible for
       statutory adoption pay and leave and flexible parental leave, providing they meet the
       qualifying conditions.
      All workers with qualifying service will have the right to request flexible working, but an
       employer retains the right to refuse on the existing statutory grounds.
      The intention is to introduce the flexible working changes in 2014 at the earliest and
       the new flexible parental leave from 2015.

Flexible working for all employees

Currently, there is a right to request a change in hours and place of work if the request
relates to a child under 17 years old (or 18 if the child is disabled), or, a person aged 18 or
over in need of care. It is subject to 26 weeks’ continuous employment and other conditions.

While the 26 weeks’ qualifying service is retained, the Government will replace the current
statutory procedure, through which employers consider flexible working requests, with a duty
on employers to deal with requests in a reasonable manner, and within a ‘reasonable’ period
of time. A statutory Acas Code of Practice will be written to give guidance as to the meaning
of ‘reasonable’ to employers and there will be additional Acas guidance for employers on how
to prioritise conflicting requests received at the same time.




Let’s talk….If you’d like an informal chat for general HR pointers or if you’re looking for a confidential
conversation about some HR issues contact me on 07714 218915 or email at mat@blackinkhr.com


                                                                                      © Black Ink HR 2012
New flexible parental leave

To qualify for statutory flexible parental leave, the Government plans to mirror the current
qualifying criteria for ordinary paternity leave: an employee must have been employed by the
same employer for 26 weeks by the 15th week before the baby’s due date.

Under the new system for flexible parental leave, a qualifying woman would be able to share
her untaken maternity leave and pay or allowance as flexible parental leave and pay with her
qualifying partner. The length of flexible parental leave available would be equal to the
untaken balance of maternity leave. The amount of flexible parental pay available to the
parents cannot exceed the balance of untaken statutory maternity pay or maternity
allowance.

Unlike the current arrangements for additional paternity leave, a woman ending her
maternity leave will not have to return to work in order for the remaining leave to become
flexible parental leave. The mother will be able to notify the date on which she plans to end
maternity leave in advance, and the balance can become available immediately. Her partner
will be able to start taking flexible parental leave (with the necessary notification period)
whilst the mother is still on maternity leave. This will enable parents to take the flexible
parental leave concurrently.

The intention is for flexible parental leave to be taken in a minimum of one-week blocks. The
parents can decide between them how much of the leave each of them will take. As for the
pattern of taking leave, if either of the parents does not intend to take their allocation in a
single block, then they will need to agree the leave pattern with their individual employer. In
the event that the pattern could not be agreed, the leave would default to a single block to
commence on a date specified by the employee.

EU parental leave

In addition, from March 2013, the Government will increase unpaid parental leave from 13 to
18 weeks in order to comply with the revised EU Parental Leave Directive. In 2015, it will
increase the age limit on parental leave from the current 5 years to 18 years, providing each
parent the right to up to 18 week’s unpaid parental leave for each child under 18.




Disclaimer
This information is for guidance purposes only and should not be regarded as a substitute for taking legal advice




Let’s talk….If you’d like an informal chat for general HR pointers or if you’re looking for a confidential
conversation about some HR issues contact me on 07714 218915 or email at mat@blackinkhr.com


                                                                                                                    © Black Ink HR 2012

Contenu connexe

Tendances

Maternity and Parental Leave: Current Issues
Maternity and Parental Leave: Current IssuesMaternity and Parental Leave: Current Issues
Maternity and Parental Leave: Current IssuesDLA Piper (Canada) LLP
 
Solo Parent Welfare Act Of 2000
Solo Parent Welfare Act Of 2000Solo Parent Welfare Act Of 2000
Solo Parent Welfare Act Of 2000Maam Lumanglas
 
Shared parental leave regulations
Shared parental leave regulationsShared parental leave regulations
Shared parental leave regulationsMark Bennett
 
Compliance Bulletin - New York Enacts Paid Family Leave Law
Compliance Bulletin - New York Enacts Paid Family Leave LawCompliance Bulletin - New York Enacts Paid Family Leave Law
Compliance Bulletin - New York Enacts Paid Family Leave LawNicholas Toscano
 
Solo Parent Welfare Act Of 200 1210581546581233 9
Solo Parent Welfare Act Of 200 1210581546581233 9Solo Parent Welfare Act Of 200 1210581546581233 9
Solo Parent Welfare Act Of 200 1210581546581233 9DENR Employees Union
 
Employment law update
Employment law updateEmployment law update
Employment law updatewalescva
 
Tpp HR Employment Law update march 2015
Tpp HR Employment Law update march 2015Tpp HR Employment Law update march 2015
Tpp HR Employment Law update march 2015TPP Recruitment
 
Returning to work - your rights
Returning to work - your rightsReturning to work - your rights
Returning to work - your rightsNCT
 
Q & a solo parent's welfare act and parental leave
Q & a solo parent's welfare act and parental leaveQ & a solo parent's welfare act and parental leave
Q & a solo parent's welfare act and parental leavevincent random
 
Maternity act 1961
Maternity act 1961Maternity act 1961
Maternity act 1961Share
 
Child maintenance requirements and statutory maintenance
Child maintenance requirements and statutory maintenanceChild maintenance requirements and statutory maintenance
Child maintenance requirements and statutory maintenancemglegal
 
8 the maternity benefit_act_
8 the maternity benefit_act_8 the maternity benefit_act_
8 the maternity benefit_act_Senthil Rajan
 
Chapter 4 maternity benefit
Chapter 4 maternity benefitChapter 4 maternity benefit
Chapter 4 maternity benefitJolly Jafrin
 
Maternity benefit act updated 2017
Maternity benefit act updated 2017Maternity benefit act updated 2017
Maternity benefit act updated 2017Isha Trivedi
 

Tendances (20)

Maternity and Parental Leave: Current Issues
Maternity and Parental Leave: Current IssuesMaternity and Parental Leave: Current Issues
Maternity and Parental Leave: Current Issues
 
Solo Parent Welfare Act Of 2000
Solo Parent Welfare Act Of 2000Solo Parent Welfare Act Of 2000
Solo Parent Welfare Act Of 2000
 
Shared parental leave regulations
Shared parental leave regulationsShared parental leave regulations
Shared parental leave regulations
 
Compliance Bulletin - New York Enacts Paid Family Leave Law
Compliance Bulletin - New York Enacts Paid Family Leave LawCompliance Bulletin - New York Enacts Paid Family Leave Law
Compliance Bulletin - New York Enacts Paid Family Leave Law
 
Shared parental leave webcast
Shared parental leave webcastShared parental leave webcast
Shared parental leave webcast
 
Solo parent
Solo parentSolo parent
Solo parent
 
Solo Parent Welfare Act Of 200 1210581546581233 9
Solo Parent Welfare Act Of 200 1210581546581233 9Solo Parent Welfare Act Of 200 1210581546581233 9
Solo Parent Welfare Act Of 200 1210581546581233 9
 
Bosses we love
Bosses we loveBosses we love
Bosses we love
 
Employment law update
Employment law updateEmployment law update
Employment law update
 
Tpp HR Employment Law update march 2015
Tpp HR Employment Law update march 2015Tpp HR Employment Law update march 2015
Tpp HR Employment Law update march 2015
 
Returning to work - your rights
Returning to work - your rightsReturning to work - your rights
Returning to work - your rights
 
Maternity leaves
Maternity leavesMaternity leaves
Maternity leaves
 
Q & a solo parent's welfare act and parental leave
Q & a solo parent's welfare act and parental leaveQ & a solo parent's welfare act and parental leave
Q & a solo parent's welfare act and parental leave
 
Maternity act 1961
Maternity act 1961Maternity act 1961
Maternity act 1961
 
Child maintenance requirements and statutory maintenance
Child maintenance requirements and statutory maintenanceChild maintenance requirements and statutory maintenance
Child maintenance requirements and statutory maintenance
 
Soloparents
SoloparentsSoloparents
Soloparents
 
8 the maternity benefit_act_
8 the maternity benefit_act_8 the maternity benefit_act_
8 the maternity benefit_act_
 
Chapter 4 maternity benefit
Chapter 4 maternity benefitChapter 4 maternity benefit
Chapter 4 maternity benefit
 
Maternity benefit act updated 2017
Maternity benefit act updated 2017Maternity benefit act updated 2017
Maternity benefit act updated 2017
 
Pda & Fmla 916 Disucssion
Pda & Fmla 916 DisucssionPda & Fmla 916 Disucssion
Pda & Fmla 916 Disucssion
 

En vedette

Минский лицей №13 Столяр
Минский лицей №13 СтолярМинский лицей №13 Столяр
Минский лицей №13 СтолярCIT RIPO
 
Configuración general camara restaurante
Configuración general camara restauranteConfiguración general camara restaurante
Configuración general camara restauranteManuel Fernandez
 
Bola Pra Frente
Bola Pra FrenteBola Pra Frente
Bola Pra Frentewdcampelo
 
TERM PAPER ON SWINE FLU AND CYTOKINE STORM
TERM PAPER ON SWINE FLU AND CYTOKINE STORMTERM PAPER ON SWINE FLU AND CYTOKINE STORM
TERM PAPER ON SWINE FLU AND CYTOKINE STORMBikash Singh
 
Evaluacion pid luz merlyn
Evaluacion pid luz merlynEvaluacion pid luz merlyn
Evaluacion pid luz merlynsongoyo
 
Illicit Financial Flows Main Report
Illicit Financial Flows Main ReportIllicit Financial Flows Main Report
Illicit Financial Flows Main ReportDr Lendy Spires
 
Week 10 the rise of the rest-google +, tumblr
Week 10  the rise of the rest-google +, tumblrWeek 10  the rise of the rest-google +, tumblr
Week 10 the rise of the rest-google +, tumblrrskslides
 
Notice d'information La Semaine Affoilante
Notice d'information La Semaine AffoilanteNotice d'information La Semaine Affoilante
Notice d'information La Semaine AffoilanteENVSN56
 
Tips for buying pain free heels
Tips for buying pain free heelsTips for buying pain free heels
Tips for buying pain free heelsSheena Agarwal
 
Clase demostrativa
Clase demostrativaClase demostrativa
Clase demostrativaLeo Tuqueres
 
B.sc. agri i po h unit 5.2 cultivation practices of apple.
B.sc. agri i po h unit 5.2 cultivation practices of apple.B.sc. agri i po h unit 5.2 cultivation practices of apple.
B.sc. agri i po h unit 5.2 cultivation practices of apple.Rai University
 
Servicio todo en uno - arquitecto técnico en Gijón, Asturias
Servicio todo en uno - arquitecto técnico en Gijón, AsturiasServicio todo en uno - arquitecto técnico en Gijón, Asturias
Servicio todo en uno - arquitecto técnico en Gijón, AsturiasMarta González
 
RELAZIONE DELLA COMMISSIONE NAZIONALE LAVORO AUTONOMO 2010 2014 con allegati
RELAZIONE DELLA COMMISSIONE NAZIONALE LAVORO AUTONOMO 2010 2014 con allegatiRELAZIONE DELLA COMMISSIONE NAZIONALE LAVORO AUTONOMO 2010 2014 con allegati
RELAZIONE DELLA COMMISSIONE NAZIONALE LAVORO AUTONOMO 2010 2014 con allegatiVittorio Pasteris
 
The Children's Writers & Illustrators Group Presentation on Author Visits
The Children's Writers & Illustrators Group Presentation on Author VisitsThe Children's Writers & Illustrators Group Presentation on Author Visits
The Children's Writers & Illustrators Group Presentation on Author VisitsTheSocietyofAuthors
 
ARDIZ EBN new options to reach Latin America - English
ARDIZ EBN new options to reach Latin America - EnglishARDIZ EBN new options to reach Latin America - English
ARDIZ EBN new options to reach Latin America - EnglishArmando-Jose Diaz Phd MBM MBA
 

En vedette (20)

Минский лицей №13 Столяр
Минский лицей №13 СтолярМинский лицей №13 Столяр
Минский лицей №13 Столяр
 
Sham kedah
Sham kedahSham kedah
Sham kedah
 
Configuración general camara restaurante
Configuración general camara restauranteConfiguración general camara restaurante
Configuración general camara restaurante
 
Bola Pra Frente
Bola Pra FrenteBola Pra Frente
Bola Pra Frente
 
Exerc res
Exerc resExerc res
Exerc res
 
TERM PAPER ON SWINE FLU AND CYTOKINE STORM
TERM PAPER ON SWINE FLU AND CYTOKINE STORMTERM PAPER ON SWINE FLU AND CYTOKINE STORM
TERM PAPER ON SWINE FLU AND CYTOKINE STORM
 
Registro de máquina
Registro de máquinaRegistro de máquina
Registro de máquina
 
Evaluacion pid luz merlyn
Evaluacion pid luz merlynEvaluacion pid luz merlyn
Evaluacion pid luz merlyn
 
Illicit Financial Flows Main Report
Illicit Financial Flows Main ReportIllicit Financial Flows Main Report
Illicit Financial Flows Main Report
 
Week 10 the rise of the rest-google +, tumblr
Week 10  the rise of the rest-google +, tumblrWeek 10  the rise of the rest-google +, tumblr
Week 10 the rise of the rest-google +, tumblr
 
Notice d'information La Semaine Affoilante
Notice d'information La Semaine AffoilanteNotice d'information La Semaine Affoilante
Notice d'information La Semaine Affoilante
 
Tips for buying pain free heels
Tips for buying pain free heelsTips for buying pain free heels
Tips for buying pain free heels
 
Gauth
GauthGauth
Gauth
 
Clase demostrativa
Clase demostrativaClase demostrativa
Clase demostrativa
 
B.sc. agri i po h unit 5.2 cultivation practices of apple.
B.sc. agri i po h unit 5.2 cultivation practices of apple.B.sc. agri i po h unit 5.2 cultivation practices of apple.
B.sc. agri i po h unit 5.2 cultivation practices of apple.
 
Servicio todo en uno - arquitecto técnico en Gijón, Asturias
Servicio todo en uno - arquitecto técnico en Gijón, AsturiasServicio todo en uno - arquitecto técnico en Gijón, Asturias
Servicio todo en uno - arquitecto técnico en Gijón, Asturias
 
RELAZIONE DELLA COMMISSIONE NAZIONALE LAVORO AUTONOMO 2010 2014 con allegati
RELAZIONE DELLA COMMISSIONE NAZIONALE LAVORO AUTONOMO 2010 2014 con allegatiRELAZIONE DELLA COMMISSIONE NAZIONALE LAVORO AUTONOMO 2010 2014 con allegati
RELAZIONE DELLA COMMISSIONE NAZIONALE LAVORO AUTONOMO 2010 2014 con allegati
 
The Children's Writers & Illustrators Group Presentation on Author Visits
The Children's Writers & Illustrators Group Presentation on Author VisitsThe Children's Writers & Illustrators Group Presentation on Author Visits
The Children's Writers & Illustrators Group Presentation on Author Visits
 
Mendira txangoaa
Mendira txangoaaMendira txangoaa
Mendira txangoaa
 
ARDIZ EBN new options to reach Latin America - English
ARDIZ EBN new options to reach Latin America - EnglishARDIZ EBN new options to reach Latin America - English
ARDIZ EBN new options to reach Latin America - English
 

Similaire à New Parental Leave And Flexible Working Announcements

Shared parental leave 2015 guidance for parents and employers
Shared parental leave 2015 guidance for parents and employersShared parental leave 2015 guidance for parents and employers
Shared parental leave 2015 guidance for parents and employersThe Legal Partners
 
maternity benefit act2020.pptx
maternity benefit act2020.pptxmaternity benefit act2020.pptx
maternity benefit act2020.pptxAaravuJohn
 
Paternity leave for malaysian dads
Paternity leave for malaysian dads Paternity leave for malaysian dads
Paternity leave for malaysian dads Snj SNj
 
Hr 3 labor law and legislation final
Hr 3 labor law and legislation finalHr 3 labor law and legislation final
Hr 3 labor law and legislation finalHariesViTrabocMicolo
 
Maternity Benefit Act, 1961
Maternity Benefit Act, 1961Maternity Benefit Act, 1961
Maternity Benefit Act, 1961Avanti Kulkarni
 
Raising The Minimum Wage Of The United States
Raising The Minimum Wage Of The United StatesRaising The Minimum Wage Of The United States
Raising The Minimum Wage Of The United StatesBarb Tillich
 
Blake lapthorn Thames Valley HR forum - 1 February 2011
Blake lapthorn Thames Valley HR forum - 1 February 2011Blake lapthorn Thames Valley HR forum - 1 February 2011
Blake lapthorn Thames Valley HR forum - 1 February 2011Blake Morgan
 
Australia releases fair work amendment bill 2013
Australia releases fair work amendment bill 2013Australia releases fair work amendment bill 2013
Australia releases fair work amendment bill 2013Nair and Co.
 
Crafting a Great Parenting Arrangement After Divorce | Havilah Legal
Crafting a Great Parenting Arrangement After Divorce | Havilah LegalCrafting a Great Parenting Arrangement After Divorce | Havilah Legal
Crafting a Great Parenting Arrangement After Divorce | Havilah LegalHavilah Legal
 
Sick Leave Law Research Paper
Sick Leave Law Research PaperSick Leave Law Research Paper
Sick Leave Law Research PaperMelody Rios
 
Persuasive Essay On Maternity Leave
Persuasive Essay On Maternity LeavePersuasive Essay On Maternity Leave
Persuasive Essay On Maternity LeaveNicole Cochran
 
Considerations for Implementing a Parental Leave Policy
Considerations for Implementing a Parental Leave PolicyConsiderations for Implementing a Parental Leave Policy
Considerations for Implementing a Parental Leave PolicyParsons Behle & Latimer
 
Considerations For Implementing a Parental Leave Policy
Considerations For Implementing a Parental Leave PolicyConsiderations For Implementing a Parental Leave Policy
Considerations For Implementing a Parental Leave PolicyParsons Behle & Latimer
 
Spring 2014 newsletter
Spring 2014 newsletterSpring 2014 newsletter
Spring 2014 newsletterBHWSolicitors
 
Exploring flexible working family friendly rights
Exploring flexible working  family friendly rightsExploring flexible working  family friendly rights
Exploring flexible working family friendly rightsTaylor&Emmet LLP
 

Similaire à New Parental Leave And Flexible Working Announcements (20)

Shared parental leave 2015 guidance for parents and employers
Shared parental leave 2015 guidance for parents and employersShared parental leave 2015 guidance for parents and employers
Shared parental leave 2015 guidance for parents and employers
 
maternity benefit act2020.pptx
maternity benefit act2020.pptxmaternity benefit act2020.pptx
maternity benefit act2020.pptx
 
Employment Code Bill 2019, Zambia
Employment Code Bill 2019, ZambiaEmployment Code Bill 2019, Zambia
Employment Code Bill 2019, Zambia
 
Paternity leave for malaysian dads
Paternity leave for malaysian dads Paternity leave for malaysian dads
Paternity leave for malaysian dads
 
German Labor Laws
German Labor LawsGerman Labor Laws
German Labor Laws
 
Hr 3 labor law and legislation final
Hr 3 labor law and legislation finalHr 3 labor law and legislation final
Hr 3 labor law and legislation final
 
Maternity Benefit Act, 1961
Maternity Benefit Act, 1961Maternity Benefit Act, 1961
Maternity Benefit Act, 1961
 
Raising The Minimum Wage Of The United States
Raising The Minimum Wage Of The United StatesRaising The Minimum Wage Of The United States
Raising The Minimum Wage Of The United States
 
Blake lapthorn Thames Valley HR forum - 1 February 2011
Blake lapthorn Thames Valley HR forum - 1 February 2011Blake lapthorn Thames Valley HR forum - 1 February 2011
Blake lapthorn Thames Valley HR forum - 1 February 2011
 
Australia releases fair work amendment bill 2013
Australia releases fair work amendment bill 2013Australia releases fair work amendment bill 2013
Australia releases fair work amendment bill 2013
 
Crafting a Great Parenting Arrangement After Divorce | Havilah Legal
Crafting a Great Parenting Arrangement After Divorce | Havilah LegalCrafting a Great Parenting Arrangement After Divorce | Havilah Legal
Crafting a Great Parenting Arrangement After Divorce | Havilah Legal
 
Sick Leave Law Research Paper
Sick Leave Law Research PaperSick Leave Law Research Paper
Sick Leave Law Research Paper
 
Persuasive Essay On Maternity Leave
Persuasive Essay On Maternity LeavePersuasive Essay On Maternity Leave
Persuasive Essay On Maternity Leave
 
Considerations for Implementing a Parental Leave Policy
Considerations for Implementing a Parental Leave PolicyConsiderations for Implementing a Parental Leave Policy
Considerations for Implementing a Parental Leave Policy
 
Paternity Leave
Paternity LeavePaternity Leave
Paternity Leave
 
Considerations For Implementing a Parental Leave Policy
Considerations For Implementing a Parental Leave PolicyConsiderations For Implementing a Parental Leave Policy
Considerations For Implementing a Parental Leave Policy
 
Spring 2014 newsletter
Spring 2014 newsletterSpring 2014 newsletter
Spring 2014 newsletter
 
Parental Leave Benefits
Parental Leave BenefitsParental Leave Benefits
Parental Leave Benefits
 
Exploring flexible working family friendly rights
Exploring flexible working  family friendly rightsExploring flexible working  family friendly rights
Exploring flexible working family friendly rights
 
Bni
BniBni
Bni
 

New Parental Leave And Flexible Working Announcements

  • 1. New parental leave and flexible working announcements After days of speculation in the media and, in a bid to “to achieve fully shared childcare from day one” of a child’s life, the Government has today, Tuesday 13th November 2012, announced its intentions for changing parental leave and the right to request flexible working. In summary, the changes are:  After an initial two weeks’ compulsory maternity leave taken by the mother, eligible parents will be able to convert the remaining maternity leave and pay into ‘flexible parental leave’ and pay and share it between them – taking it in turns or taking time off together.  Flexible parental leave will be subject to a limit of 50 weeks’ leave in total and 37 weeks’ statutory pay.  Adopters will have the same rights as other parents to maternity leave and pay: they will no longer be required to complete 26 weeks’ employment and adoption pay will be the same as maternity pay. Where eligible, they will also be able to take flexible parental leave.  Fathers and partners of pregnant women will be given a right to take unpaid leave to attend two antenatal appointments.  Paternity leave will remain at two weeks but will be reviewed in 2018.  Surrogate parents who meet the criteria to apply for a Parental Order will be eligible for statutory adoption pay and leave and flexible parental leave, providing they meet the qualifying conditions.  All workers with qualifying service will have the right to request flexible working, but an employer retains the right to refuse on the existing statutory grounds.  The intention is to introduce the flexible working changes in 2014 at the earliest and the new flexible parental leave from 2015. Flexible working for all employees Currently, there is a right to request a change in hours and place of work if the request relates to a child under 17 years old (or 18 if the child is disabled), or, a person aged 18 or over in need of care. It is subject to 26 weeks’ continuous employment and other conditions. While the 26 weeks’ qualifying service is retained, the Government will replace the current statutory procedure, through which employers consider flexible working requests, with a duty on employers to deal with requests in a reasonable manner, and within a ‘reasonable’ period of time. A statutory Acas Code of Practice will be written to give guidance as to the meaning of ‘reasonable’ to employers and there will be additional Acas guidance for employers on how to prioritise conflicting requests received at the same time. Let’s talk….If you’d like an informal chat for general HR pointers or if you’re looking for a confidential conversation about some HR issues contact me on 07714 218915 or email at mat@blackinkhr.com © Black Ink HR 2012
  • 2. New flexible parental leave To qualify for statutory flexible parental leave, the Government plans to mirror the current qualifying criteria for ordinary paternity leave: an employee must have been employed by the same employer for 26 weeks by the 15th week before the baby’s due date. Under the new system for flexible parental leave, a qualifying woman would be able to share her untaken maternity leave and pay or allowance as flexible parental leave and pay with her qualifying partner. The length of flexible parental leave available would be equal to the untaken balance of maternity leave. The amount of flexible parental pay available to the parents cannot exceed the balance of untaken statutory maternity pay or maternity allowance. Unlike the current arrangements for additional paternity leave, a woman ending her maternity leave will not have to return to work in order for the remaining leave to become flexible parental leave. The mother will be able to notify the date on which she plans to end maternity leave in advance, and the balance can become available immediately. Her partner will be able to start taking flexible parental leave (with the necessary notification period) whilst the mother is still on maternity leave. This will enable parents to take the flexible parental leave concurrently. The intention is for flexible parental leave to be taken in a minimum of one-week blocks. The parents can decide between them how much of the leave each of them will take. As for the pattern of taking leave, if either of the parents does not intend to take their allocation in a single block, then they will need to agree the leave pattern with their individual employer. In the event that the pattern could not be agreed, the leave would default to a single block to commence on a date specified by the employee. EU parental leave In addition, from March 2013, the Government will increase unpaid parental leave from 13 to 18 weeks in order to comply with the revised EU Parental Leave Directive. In 2015, it will increase the age limit on parental leave from the current 5 years to 18 years, providing each parent the right to up to 18 week’s unpaid parental leave for each child under 18. Disclaimer This information is for guidance purposes only and should not be regarded as a substitute for taking legal advice Let’s talk….If you’d like an informal chat for general HR pointers or if you’re looking for a confidential conversation about some HR issues contact me on 07714 218915 or email at mat@blackinkhr.com © Black Ink HR 2012