Radical reforms to maternity leave which create greater flexibility and equality announced today have been welcomed by local MP Norman Baker.
Today's announcement, made by Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg, will maintain the right for women to be entitled to 52 weeks maternity leave. However, they have opened far greater flexibility on how that leave can be used which will allow for the mother to share the leave with the father. For example, the parents may decide to take 26 weeks each. Alternatively, if the mother needs to be at work for a month or two of the 52 weeks then the father could take those months as leave to look after the child.
To ensure that employers are not left in the dark, parents will have to give employers reasonable notice when informing them of how they plan to divide parental leave.
Norman says: "These reforms are a testament to the Lib Dems ongoing commitment to enhancing gender equality and will be a positive help to parents. They also recognise the important role that a father has in a child's development and tackle the misguided concern that employers may have had previously against employing women who may leave work for a year after having a child. This reform is needed and certainly welcome."
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Contact Norman at:
Norman Baker,
23 East Street,
Lewes,
East Sussex,
BN7 2LJ.
Tel: (01273) 480281.
Fax: (01273) 480287.
Email: info
