Employers Fear New Paternity Leave Laws
Employers are sceptical of new paternity leave regulations, which give fathers entitlement to 26 weeks unpaid leave. However, unions have advised they have nothing to fear from the new legislation.
By Patrick Hind -
A significant number of employers believe that the paternity leave recommendations of the Work and Families Act could cause them problems, according to a new survey.
The act, which is set to come in to force in April, will permit fathers to take up to 26 weeks of unpaid paternity leave, up from the current limit of just two weeks paid leave. However, some of this could period be paid if the mother returns to work.
In addition, the new regulations allow mothers to claim up to 12 months paid leave.
The survey discovered that smaller employers were more likely to state that the new laws will prove a hindrance to their business and were less likely to be able to see the benefits of the new system.
The employee relations adviser at the CIPD, Mike Emmott, believes that both employer and employee will benefit from the new laws.
"Most good employers recognise the importance of work-life balance and, as the survey shows, many already offer more than is provided for in the Work and Families Act," he said.
"However, it is clear from the survey that there is scepticism about some of the provisions of the Act, especially those relating to paternity leave. The government needs to reassure employers about the administration of the new provisions."
The results come as a survey in Australia reveals that many women believe that their partners have failed to properly bond with their new baby due to commitments at work.
Some 84 per cent of mothers questioned by the Baby Champion DVD claimed they were unhappy with the father's involvement in the new child, according to the country's Daily Telegraph.
"Studies show that if fathers are able to take paid paternity leave this enables them to get into the routine and be comfortable with their baby early on in life without financial pressures weighing on their mind," baby-care expert Hazel Champion told the publication.
Brendan Barber, the TUC's general secretary, believes that employers should embrace the new laws.
"Employers have nothing to fear from these modest proposals and much to gain. Any move that enables working fathers to play a greater role in that first important year of their children's lives should be welcomed," he said.
"As a result they are likely to return to work with a much greater sense of work-life balance and a renewed commitment to their jobs."
Currently, just one in ten employers believes that the new laws will be of benefit to the company, with 16 per cent of those canvassed anticipating significant difficulties.
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