Parents and carers
Parents and carers are a vital part of the workforce and it seems that the government has recognised the importance of the work that such people carry out.
The government has announced three new Acts of Parliament, which are not yet in force. When these acts are passed will help to increase workforce participation, protect vulnerable workers, and level the playing field by ensuring unscrupulous businesses don't have a competitive advantage.
Parents and carers will benefit from the following new protections once in force:
- Up to 12 weeks of paid neonatal care leave for employed parents whose children are admitted to neonatal care, so that they can spend more time with their baby at what is a hugely stressful time. This is in addition to other leave and pay entitlements such as maternity and paternity.
- Redundancy protection for pregnant women and new parents with the extension of existing redundancy protections to cover pregnancy and a period of time after parents return to work.
- A new entitlement for unpaid carers to a week of flexible unpaid leave a year, for employees who are caring for a dependant with a long-term care need. This will enable carers to better balance their caring and work responsibilities, supporting them to remain in employment.
Employers and employees should consider taking specialist advice to ensure that they are prepared for the new laws when they are introduced.
To discuss this or any other employment matter, contact us.