Flexible parental leave consultation launched

A consultation has been launched by the Government to consider making the parental leave system more flexible.

Keen to create a 'modern workplace for the modern economy,' the Government are looking to replace the archaic, rigid regulations with a far greater choice of parental leave.

Under the 'Modern Workplaces’ proposals – which, if agreed, would come into affect in 2015 – parents could share the overall leave allowance between them once the first weeks of leave are over. The new system would allow parents to take the leave either at the same time or separately in a number of different blocks. All new parents would also gain the right to request flexible working from their employers.

The flexibility will extend to employers too, who would be able to request that employees return for short periods to help cover peak business times. Depending on business needs, they may also be able to request that paternal leave was taken in one continuous block.

Vince Cable, Business Secretary, said, “Our proposals will encourage greater choice by giving employees and their employers the flexibility to find arrangements to suit them both.

"Employers should be encouraged to come to agreement with employees on how work and family responsibilities can be met simultaneously ... We will ensure that businesses will still be able to take into account their needs when agreeing how leave can be taken,” he added.