Working parents are set to gain more maternity and paternity rights after the Work and Families Bill received Royal Assent.
Under the new law, thousands of working fathers and mothers will benefit from more leave and pay following the birth of a child. Mothers will receive nine months’ statutory maternity pay under the law, while fathers will benefit from plans to give them extended paternity leave.
The government estimates that about 400,000 mothers per year will benefit from this, along with approximately between 240,000 and 280,000 fathers.
“This will help them to play a greater role in the upbringing of their children. Carers of adults will also benefit from the Act, with the right to request flexible working for the first time,” Alistair Darling, trade and industry secretary.
“The new rights have been introduced following consultations with businesses, and will benefit employers by helping them plan ahead and manage maternity leave with greater certainty.”
Also, for the first time, carers of adults will be given a right to request flexible working arrangements so that they may balance their work and caring responsibilities
Businesses also stand to benefit from a two-month notice period for women changing their return to work dates from maternity leave, thus allowing employees and employers to plan more effectively for return to work, and clarity that employers can make reasonable contact with their employees on maternity leave to help them with planning and easing the mother's return to work.
