text: The Government launched its consultation “Good Work Plan: Proposals to support families” earlier this year.
  Within this, there are proposals to reform parental leave and pay; the consultation for which closes on 29th November 2019.
  Part of this looks at reform of Shared Parental Leave (SPL). Since 2015, parents have been able to opt into SPL which effectively allows them to share 50 weeks of leave. The Government anticipated that there would be a take up of between 2 - 8% and the consultation reports that, to date, take up is in the middle of these percentages. Currently, SPL is only available if the mother (or primary adopter) curtails their maternity/adoption leave. Further it is payable at a fixed rate for each week; there is no enhanced rate like there is for statutory maternity and adoption pay.
  The consultation highlights that the advocacy group, Working Families, have suggested that each parent should be given their own ‘pot’ of leave and pay to be shared however they would like. The consultation is seeking views on this idea as well as other matters like whether the mother (or primary adopter) should be ‘gatekeeper’ of the process and whether SPL should have an enhanced rate.
  Employers should keep an eye out for the Government’s response to this consultation and ensure that any resultant changes to legislation are reflected in their own policies.
  The full consultation document can be found here.
  Louise Keenan
  Associate
  louise.keenan@clarkslegal.com 020 7539 8082 0779 900 7325
  Disclaimer
  This information is for guidance purposes only and should not be regarded as a substitute for taking professional and legal advice. Please refer to the full General Notices on our website.
  Related HR Articles
  29 Dec 16
  Employer’s view on employee’s dishonesty that matters, not Tribunal’s, in claims for re-engagement
  In the recent case of United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust v Farren, the EAT held that it is the employer’s view of the dishonesty of an employee seeking re-engagement that matters,
  13 Sep 22
  Coping with bereavement in the workplace
  The UK is currently in a period of national mourning following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 8 September. It is due to come to an end on 19 September, when the Queen is laid to rest at a state funeral.
  09 Oct 15
  Shared parental leave and pay to be extended to working grandparents
  At the Conservative Party conference this week the Chancellor announced that the Government will extend shared parental leave and pay to working grandparents, to increase flexibility and choice in parental leave arrangements.
  More HR Articles
  To speak with us directly, please contact:
  0118 958 5321 contact@employmentbuddy.com
  5th Floor, Thames Tower, Station Road, Reading RG1 1LX
  41-44 Great Queen Street, London, WC2B 5AD
  Resources
  HR Resources HR Articles Facts & Figures
  Services
  HR Training HR Events
  Company
  About Contact Us
  Clarkslegal is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales. Registered number OC308349. Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA no. 403601)