New parental leave rules 'will enhance gender equality'

New employment laws governing parental leave will enhance gender equality, it has been claimed.

Recently, the government announced that families are to be granted greater flexibility in terms of how they use their paternity and maternity leave.

The new provision will be available during the second six months of an infant's life and some of the leave may be paid if taken during the mother's 39-week maternity pay period.

From April 2011, fathers will be able to take the second six months of parental leave if the mother decides she wants to return to work.

While some critics have panned the move, suggesting it will mean more administration for firms, one commentator has welcomed them.

Ruth Spellman, chief executive of the Chartered Management Institute, said: "The introduction of increased paternity leave is a positive step further towards equality in the workplace."

She added that workers will benefit from more flexible working arrangements and will be more motivated, engaged, productive and will perform better generally.
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21/09/2009 17:02

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