§ 12. Judy MallaberTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures he is proposing to provide rights for employees to take parental leave. [65202]
§ Mr. Ian McCartneyWe expect to introduce a Bill shortly which will create the framework for a package of measures implementing our family-friendly employment proposals. All of these measures will help employees to balance work and family life and bring about a culture in the workplace which will support employees wanting to take parental leave. The measures in the Bill will be supported by regulations setting out the detailed provisions.
The package will introduce three months parental leave, enabling fathers, as well as mothers, to play an active role in raising their children and helping to encourage a workplace culture where it is acceptable for them to do so. And the Bill will recognise for the first time, the need for adoptive parents and their children to spend vital time together adjusting to their new circumstances.
Parental leave builds on the maternity leave rights. Women, and their families, will benefit from the extension of basic maternity leave to 18 weeks, and from the reduction in the qualifying period for the longer period of maternity absence.
The new right to time off to deal with family emergencies will allow people to take short-term time off to deal with emergencies without jeopardising their job security. It will apply to all employees and is a significant step which recognises that caring responsibilities may affect people at all stages of their working life.