The government’s Modern Workplaces consultation set out proposals to reduce standard maternity leave to 18 weeks, and designate the remaining six weeks leave currently on offer as “flexible parental leave”, available to either parent.
The proposals are earmarked for inclusion in a new children and families bill, likely to be taken forward in the next parliamentary session.
In a letter to ministers, 17 members of the Working Parents Group coalition called on the government to rethink the consultation proposals. ?The group warned that a new presumption of 18 weeks basic leave could harm equality in the workplace and bring “hidden costs” to businesses if women return to work too soon.
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