New laws that ensure that both parents get to share the care following the birth of their first child have came into effect from the 1st of December.
Apply to over 280,000
The law allows joint parental leave for the first year of caring for the child. The law is expected to apply to as many as 285,000 working couples across the UK.
The move is seen as a way to bolster relationships and allow working parents more time with their children and build to an increase in confidence for parents to look after their children when they are on their own.
Punishes Job Seekers
Despite the move coming into effect, it has been met with some criticism due to the fact that it does not take into account those on Jobseekers allowance undertaking mandatory work or those who are working on placements meaning that people actively looking for a job effectively have less time with their newborn.
Vitally Important
Employment Relations Minister Jo Swinson praised the legislation saying: "Up until now, families have had very limited options when it comes to juggling the demands of work with the arrival of a new baby.
“The old maternity leave system reinforced the archaic assumptions that the bulk of childcare responsibilities should be done by mums and failed to recognise the vitally important role that dads and partners have to play.”
Contact Us
If you have any queries regarding parental leave, or if you believe you are not getting the leave you are entitled to, contact us today using our online enquiry form or call us on 0141 221 1919.
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