Flexible working hours, family friendly employment practices that allow a good work-life balance, flexible parental leave that can be shared by mothers and fathers. It sounds ideal if you are an employee, but how practical is it for employers?
The government has published proposals saying that while mothers should retain the exclusive right to 18 weeks' maternity leave, and fathers will still get two weeks of ordinary paternity leave, the remainder of the existing maternity leave should be reclassified as parental leave and be made available to either parent on an equal basis. They could take leave at the same time, take it on a part-time basis, or break the leave into two or more periods. The government is also considering extending unpaid parental leave beyond the current limit of the child's fifth birthday.
It also wants employers to extend flexible working practices to all employees who have been employed for 26 consecutive weeks, and not just for those with children under the age of 17 or disabled children under 18. And it is consulting on legislation to force employers to put equal pay for men and women into practice.
Parents have reacted with delight, but employers and those representing them have big reservations. Eve Taylor, founder of an aromatherapy and skincare business, says: "Please can someone tell me how this is to be paid for and by who – small companies cannot pay out all this money."
Employment relations minister Ed Davey will be online on Tuesday 28 June at 2.30pm to explain the proposals and answer your questions on the subject. He is very keen to hear from parents – prospective and current – and employers including those running SMEs.
Please post your comments and queries below.
