Some of the key points in the proposed legislation and the new duties employers will face if enacted are:
Maternity, Paternity and Parental Leave and Pay.
Six months’ paid and a further six months’ unpaid maternity leave for working mothers.
Six months’ paid and a further six months’ unpaid leave for working adoptive parents.
Two weeks’ paid paternity leave for working fathers.
A 60% increase in the rate of statutory maternity pay (SMP) to £100 per week.
Reimbursement of maternity, paternity and adoption payments made by employers.
Changes to the calculation of compensation awards, a widening of the scope of compromise agreements, and a fixed period of conciliation to promote timely settlement of disputes.
Regulations to implement the Directive on fixed term work.
While these proposals still have to be enacted employers should consider reviewing employment policies and/or contracts in all the above key areas earlier rather than later! Future articles will update progress on this Bill and other important changes or provide advice on key employment issues.
PLASA members can contact Clive Payne of CP Associates for further advice - call
