News

6 April 2010

Summary of Employment Law changes

Statutory Maternity etc Pay

From 6 April 2010, the standard rates of statutory maternity, paternity and adoption pay increase to £124.88 per week (from £123.06 per week).

New Paternity Leave Regulations

New Regulations come into force on 6 April 2010 regarding Paternity Leave. In summary, the Regulations state that:-

1. They apply only in relation to children whose expected week of birth (or matching for adoption) begins on or after 3 April 2011.

2. Fathers are allowed to take up to six months additional paternity leave provided the mother has returned to work. This gives parents the option of dividing a period of paid leave entitlement between them.

3. The additional paternity leave is for a maximum of 26 weeks and minimum of 2 weeks.

4. The additional paternity leave must not start until at least 20 weeks after the birth or placement for adoption and must end not later than 12 months after the birth or placement for adoption.

5. The additional paternity leave may only be taken in multiples of complete weeks.

6. If the additional paternity leave is taken during the mother's 39 week maternity pay period, it will be paid leave. It will be paid at the same rate and in the same way as Statutory Maternity Pay.

Please note that this information is provided for general knowledge only and therefore specific advice should be sought for individual cases.

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