Coalition Government to Make Parental Leave More Flexible for Employees

The Department for Business (BIS) will soon be launching a consultation to explore proposals for a more flexible system of parental leave. The new system will enable mothers and fathers to share part of their leave, in whatever way suits them best, whilst protecting women's existing right to have paid time off in the first months after birth. Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg says that the consultation will be launched within the coming weeks and that the changes will be introduced in 2015.

The government is keen to hear from businesses, especially SMEs, in order to ensure that the new system is simple to administer and takes into account the needs of employers. The consultation will also consider how best to extend the right to request flexible working to all employees.

Business Secretary Vince Cable said: "We want to help parents juggle work and family life and create a fairer and more family friendly society.

"We will consult fully with businesses on how best to proceed and we are conscious of the concerns of some companies, particularly SMEs but I hope they will embrace our plans. More and more businesses are appreciating that family friendly workplaces are motivated and productive workplaces."