Businesses give mixed response to parental leave amendments

Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, has outlined proposals that aim to reshape the employment laws that govern parental leave, with the aim of evening out maternity and paternity leave, allowing parents greater flexibility.

Announcing the proposals during a speech to the influential think-tank, Demos, Mr Clegg said the current "Edwardian system" of parental leave could not continue, with fathers often needing more than the "paltry two weeks of paternity leave" they currently get.

He told the group that the current laws "patronise women and marginalise men" and were in urgent need of restructuring. "More and more fathers want to play a hands-on role with their young children, but too many feel that they can't," he said.

At the moment, employed mothers are allowed 52 weeks of maternity leave, 39 of which are paid, while fathers are only entitled to a fortnight off.

Businesses have met the proposals with a tepid response, with some organisations claiming that the changes have the potential to make life very hard for small businesses. Spokesman for the Federation of Small Businesses, Andrew Cave, said the move risked flying in the face of David Cameron's pledge last week to make it easier for companies to take on employees.

"It's yet another disincentive to take on staff," he said. On the one hand the government is claiming to simplify employment law, while on the other it is throwing up more obstacles to job creation."