HC Deb 15 February 1994 vol 237 c743W
15. Mrs. Helen Jackson

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will take steps to improve the employment rights to time off for maternity and paternity leave.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

Under provisions introduced by the Government in the Trade Union Reform and Employment Rights Act, all women will shortly have a new right to 14 weeks maternity leave, regardless of length of service or hours of work.

Paternity leave is, like most other terms and conditions of employment, a matter for agreement between employers and employees, without Government intervention.