Parents 'Unaware' Of Shared Leave Rules

By Adele Robinson, Sky News Correspondent

New rules allowing working couples to share parental leave after the birth or adoption of their child have come into force.

Mothers and fathers can split 50 weeks of parental leave between them, in any combination, and divide up the 39 weeks of statutory pay.

The rules, which come into place on Easter Sunday, mean parents can take time off together or share leave separately.

Around 285,000 working couples would be eligible but it is expected that only a few thousand will take it up initially.

At the Wise Hippo birthing class in Hertfordshire, Sky News spoke to parents to get their views on the new rules.

Graham and Keeley Clark are expecting their baby in four weeks time. For them, like most, it comes down to finances.

"I think for us it's probably not the most practical thing," Mrs Clark said.

"With Graham being the main breadwinner, it doesn't make sense for us to do that.

"But for women who are the main breadwinners it is a good option for them."

However many people are still confused about how shared leave will work.

A survey carried out by My Family Care and Workingmums reveals that one in four people were unaware of the changes.

Nearly one third (32%) said they did not understand the rules and 41% said they would not consider dividing their leave.

Georgia and Felicien Mathieu are expecting their child in 10 weeks.

Mrs Mathieu believes not enough information is being sent out about the leave options.

"I don't think many people will take it up because there's a lack of information about it.

"I think there needs to be more out there, more pamphlets in antenatal classes - about what people are entitled to - so it's more widely profiled."

Employment lawyer Merrill April said she believes some companies may change enhanced maternity pay as a result of the changes.

"We might see some of those packages gradually being reduced or withdrawn.

"I think that rather depends on the take-up - if in fact there's very low take-up by men then perhaps that won't happen, but I rather suspect it may.

"It probably depends a bit on the size of the employer, but larger employers are going to be affected by larger numbers of people taking this up."

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