March 18, 2011
A growing number of small business owners believe the Government should grant exemptions before new paternity leave regulations come into force later this year. Imminent reforms will entitle fathers with babies born after April 3rd 2011 the right to take up to six months’ paternity leave. Under current legislation, new fathers are only entitled to two weeks' paid paternity leave. But new research from uSwitch for Business has found that 39% of small business owners, or SMEs, believe small firms should be exempt from new paternity leave rules due to take effect from 3 April this year. "The rules were designed to create more flexibility, but in fact may be forcing SMEs into a corner and could potentially lead to a less competitive job market. Our research shows that SMEs are prepared to change their hiring policy as a result of what many see as punitive new paternity leave rules,” said James Constant, Director of uSwitchforbusiness.com. The calls for exemption follow recent news that the government could announce plans to give companies with ten or fewer employees the right to negotiate maternity and paternity leave 'deals' directly with their worker force. "It will come as a relief to those employing less than ten people that the Government is considering a reprieve for them. But this in itself could then be a barrier to expansion or taking on more staff," added Mr Constant. Unsure about how looming paternity leave reforms will affect you as an employee, or employer? Contact our solicitors today and we can help iron out any lingering issues before the Government's changes come into force.