Parental and Maternity Leave

HC Deb 25 February 2002 vol 380 cc857-8W

Mrs. Curtis-Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent legislation has been introduced on the provision of parental and maternity leave and pay with particular reference to returning to work part-time. [36980]

Alan Johnson

There are no provisions in parental and maternity leave and pay legislation which specifically cover return to work on a part-time basis. Existing legislation provides for the rights of an employee (whether full-time or part-time) to return either to the same job in which he/she was employed before taking leave or, in certain circumstances, to an alternative job which is suitable and appropriate.

A new duty on employers to seriously consider requests for flexible working, including part-time working, from parents with young children is being introduced as part of the Employment Bill which is currently going through Parliament.