Stroud Liberal Democrats

Expectant parents begin the countdown to shared parental leave

There are just eight weeks to go until the first expectant parents can share 50 weeks of parental leave.

Couples expecting babies on or after 5 April must give their employer eight weeks' notice of the pattern of leave they intend to take.

285,000 working couples a year are expected to be eligible for Shared Parental Leave and expectant parents need to discuss their parental leave plans with their employers as early as they can.

Liberal Democrats in government are proud to have delivered Shared Parental Leave.

Commenting Liberal Democrat Employment Relations Minister Jo Swinson said:

"Shared Parental Leave will kickstart a change where fathers feel empowered to take time off to look after their kids and not feel constrained by outdated stereotypes.

"We recognise that this isn't going to be easy for those at the forefront of the change but we also know that for many dads the nerves they feel about having a conversation with their boss around leave will be worth it in the end.

"Countless research studies show that more time with dads early on leads to better outcomes for children, not to mention the special family bond it creates.

"We also know that many employers are incredibly supportive and keen to offer mums and dads more flexibility. Employers will see the benefit in terms of staff loyalty and providing women the option to return to work earlier.

"That's why employers like Shell, Deloitte, Linklaters, PWC and the Civil Service are offering parents enhanced shared parental pay in line with their maternity packages."

• Display: Accessible
• Switch to: Desktop (requires cookies)

• My Account.
• Privacy Policy.
• Other Party Sites.