Employment Law is usually a very dynamic area of law, however even with the currently very uncertain economic climate the Queen’s Speech contained little new information on future employment law reforms. This is despite the Government’s stated aim of reducing burdens on businesses.
The Queen did, however provide for introducing some of the tribunal and dispute resolution measures previously announced including extending the early conciliation role of ACAS.
Despite opposition from some business quarters, the Government is to press ahead with proposals to increase shareholder power over pay. This has of course has recently been seen in action with the insurers Aviva although how this will work in the wider workplace has not been set out. Essentially shareholders will be given new powers to hold company Boards to account on executive pay. This would involve an ability to vote upon the directors’ remuneration report.
The Children and Families Bill will “give parents access to flexible parental leave; so that where they want to, mothers and fathers can share caring responsibilities in a way which best fits their needs”. While this is not new, it is a step away from the current highly “mother” based approach to parental leave and, in particular, should give fathers much greater scope for taking extended leave after their baby’s birth. Under current maternity regulations and paternity regulations, fathers can take two weeks leave around the time of birth; they can then take a further 26 weeks’ leave but only when the baby is 20 weeks old, and even then, only if the mother has returned to work. The new legislation allows for parents to have much greater choice over how and when they take parental leave.
The new changes with maternity leave and new paternity leave will not like by all. The current paternity leave regulations only started to take effect last year and few employers will look forward to yet another change in this complicated area of employment law and practice.
The Children and Families Bill does not, however, consider flexible work arrangements.
Benchmark Solicitors' Employment Team can assist with all areas of Employment Law including advising as to your rights for maternity leave and paternity leave. Please contact us for a fixed price employment advice interview to find out your maternity rights.
Paul Rogers, Solicitor, Benchmark Solicitors LLP – 11 June 2012