Father Time

Fathers And Employment Law Solicitors Wait For News On Paternity Leave

Recently, Prime Minister David Cameron featured in the press for taking his two full weeks’ entitlement for paternity leave following the birth of his daughter. But for the wider population, employment law solicitors believe that there is some confusion over entitlements, and that some new fathers do not take any leave at all. For employment law solicitors therefore, the Coalition government’s decision on paternity leave will be of interest.

For the moment, providing a new father has sufficient service with their employer they are legally entitled to two weeks’ paternity leave with either £124.88 per week, or 90% of their average weekly salary paid to them. However, employment law solicitors point out that not all fathers are financially able to take time off on such low levels of pay. This point is evidenced by a 2009 survey which showed that only 55% of new fathers took their leave, when 88% said they’d have liked to. Say employment law solicitors, this shows that the present rate of statutory paternity pay is just not high enough.

The previous Labour government introduced a new idea before the election, Additional Paternity Leave, which would permit mothers to pass on the latter half of their maternity leave to their partner. Employment law solicitors pointed out that such a plan would give fathers fairer access to leave. However, many business organisations pointed out that this would have produced paperwork and red tape. The Coalition has not yet made a decision regarding whether it will continue with these plans.

All the same, there appears to be an agreement between parents, employment law solicitors and even employers that simplified and fairer rules are required. The Coalition has very publicly said it is supporting flexible parenting from early pregnancy. This could be an indication that the Lib Dem’s suggestion of giving fathers the right to time off work to attend antenatal appointments could yet be passed.

Whatever happens with the law and paternity leave, it looks as though some changes are necessary to ensure a fair and viable system. For now though, it looks as though employment law solicitors and the public at large will have to wait to find out their paternity leave fate.