Proposals to allow transfer of Maternity Leave entitlements from mothers to fathers have been expected for some time. Now the Government has announced a consultation. The proposals involve mothers who return to the workplace after six months being allowed to transfer some of their unused maternity leave to their partner. Fathers would have a right to up to 3 months' paid and 3 months' unpaid leave (two weeks of paid leave are currently allowed). The Government hopes to reduce the administrative burden of employers by allowing fathers to ‘self-certify’ that their child’s mother is returning to work early, and are passing maternity entitlements over to them. The father will be required to give his employer eight weeks’ notice. Details of the consultation will be announced shortly.
The Prime Minster has announced that the Government’s has changed its intention to extend paid Maternity Leave to 12 months. Its intention is now 9 months.