Nick Clegg announces new flexible paternal leave plans

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has announced that from 2015, the UK will move to a new system of flexible paternal leave, as part of a huge shake up of current arrangements. 

Nick Clegg said: "Under the new rules, a mother will be able to trigger flexible leave at any point - if and when she feels ready.

"That means whatever time is left to run on her original year can be taken by her partner instead. Or they can divide up the remaining time between them - taking it in turns. Or they can take time off together... whatever suits them."

Mr Clegg had considered extending paternity leave from the current two weeks but backed down because of the cost to businesses. However, this decision will be reviewed in 2018. Women in employment will retain their right to 52 weeks of maternity leave.

Commenting on the announcements on maternity and paternity leave and the right to request flexible working which the Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, made today (Tuesday 13 November), Gerry Jones, chairman of the Institute of Directors in the South West, said:

“The IoD supports the Deputy Prime Minister’s efforts to release the full potential of women in the workplace. We agree that this is not just a question of equality, but also of economic necessity. IoD members want to be accommodating to their staff, and to work with mothers and fathers in sharing leave after they have had a child. Being able to split leave flexibly will be attractive to parents, but will inevitably increase uncertainty for employers, who must be given suitable notice beforehand.

“We are pleased that the Government has listened to those in business who were concerned about increasing the amount of dedicated leave for fathers. Any extra leave would clearly have been an additional burden for employers. The more time parents take off, the more difficult it is for employers, particularly small ones, to manage the disruption.

“IoD members recognise the benefits of flexible working and have had policies for it for some time. But flexible working is not suitable for every employee or every business. Extending the right to request does not change this, it only creates more unnecessary form-filing and wasted time. This move runs counter to the Government’s drive to reduce the burden of regulation on business.”