Changes to parental leave

Back in July 2019, the government opened a consultation on reforming parental leave. The response to this consultation was delayed by the coronavirus pandemic but was eventually published a couple of months ago – and the good news is, changes are set to be made to the way in which employees can take time off to be with their family at such a crucial time.

At the moment, employees will receive a statutory rate of pay in a one- or two-week block during the first eight weeks after their child is born or adopted.

The government is planning to ensure that fathers or partners can choose to split their leave into two blocks of one week, and can have the flexibility to take their leave at any point during their child’s first year, not just within the current 8 week timeframe.