Conservative proposals to support working mothers by introducing a more flexible system of parental leave have been backed by small businesses.
The plans, put forward by shadow leader of the commons, Theresa May, would allow parents to take their leave simultaneously.
In her speech, May said the plans would provide up to 52 weeks of paid Flexible Parental Leave (FPL), which the parents could split between them, with the first 14 weeks automatically applying to the mother.
She added that it would be up to the parents how they would use the remaining 38 weeks – the mother could take off the whole 52 weeks, the father could take over the FPL at any time during the final 38 weeks, or the mother and father could simultaneously take off up to 26 weeks each.
“Our proposals would give parents more flexibility and choice, and would have a positive impact on pay equality by giving women more help to return to the workplace after childbirth,” said May.
Chris Hannant, head of policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said the group supports any proposals which make returning to the workplace easier.
“We know from our own research that our members are already offering their employees, including parents, increased flexibility.”
“With most businesses already working flexibly, it is important that any regulatory proposals seek to minimise the administrative burden, particularly for small employers who really struggle to cover prolonged absences from the workplace and can find the administration of maternity and paternity leave complex,” he said.
© Crimson Business Ltd. 2008
