We have all become used to the way in which family-friendly rights have the tendency to develop and expand over time. Well after a brief lull since shared parental leave came into force in April 2015, get ready for further developments!

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What’s happening?

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As part of its initiative to review and revamp employment laws, the Government is opening up multiple consultation processes in relation to the prospect of introducing new laws to assist parents in achieving a better work-life balance. More specifically:

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• The government is mindful that women still tend to provide the lion’s share of the childcare, especially in the period shortly after babies are born. The Government is consulting on issues relating to paternity leave and paternity pay, with a view to considering whether there are any additional measures they could take to achieve greater gender equality in relation to the provision of childcare.

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• The Government is concerned about the extent to which the parents of premature, sick and multiple babies can experience particular challenges when balancing their care responsibilities with their careers. As a result, a consultation has commenced regarding the possible creation of new rights to ‘Neonatal Leave’ and ‘Neonatal Pay’ for these particular parents.

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• The Government is considering requiring all employers to advertise jobs as being “flexible”, as well as requiring employers to publish their parental leave policies. Such measures are aimed at encouraging all employers to adopt high standards in this area, as well as allowing job applicants to better understand the approach that prospective employers are likely to take to such issues.

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If you are interested in knowing more about these policy proposals or wish to contribute to the consultation process, follow the link below:

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https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/good-work-plan-proposals-to-support-families