The Department of Trade and Industry is consulting on the implementation of statutory paternity leave and pay, due to be introduced in two years’ time
It proposes to allow mothers to transfer some of their maternity leave to fathers if they want to return to work early. Under the scheme, fathers would be able to take up to 26 weeks extra leave and would “self-certify” that their child’s mother is returning to work and passing their entitlement onto them. They would be required to give eight weeks’ notice. The new entitlement will be available in the second six months of the child’s life. The consultation closes on 3 August 2007.
