October 05, 2010
Despite previous predictions, the coalition government has upheld Labour ideas on paternity leave, to the benefit of millions of fathers. Initially proposed during Labour’s final term in power, the Additional Paternity Leave Regulations will affect parents of children due on or after 3rd April 2010. Fathers will be given the right to take up to six months’ paternity leave once their child’s mother returns to work. However, in August this year it was reported that David Cameron’s government were reconsidering Labour’s plans under the pretence that British business would suffer to implement such extensions in leave. But this week the government confirmed that the Additional Paternity Leave Regulations will remain in force as an interim measure for encouraging shared parenting from the earliest stages of pregnancy. "We're pleased that the additional paternity leave provisions will be going ahead in April 2011,” said Sarah Jackson, Chief Executive of campaign group Working Families. “Women who are pregnant now are planning with their partners for next April and employers need to prepare policies. Both will benefit from this certainty." The news follows a recent European Union ruling that fathers could be in line for increased paternity pay amongst a number of improved employment rights. A decision taken in the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has suggested fathers who take advantage of new rights to extended paternity leave from April next year could qualify for the same rights and benefits as women who take additional maternity leave. If you’re struggling to understand the government’s changes, discuss your predicament with expert solicitors today and ensure your baby’s first steps are happy ones.