Employers 'concerned' about working parents

News Article - 02 April 2007
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The implementation of new rights for working parents are likely to cause difficulties for many firms, a study has shown.

According to a survey conducted by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and KPMG, some 64 per cent of employers would find the new laws problematic.

Of these, 48 per cent said that the changes outlined in the Work and Families Act would result in some difficulties, while 16 per cent believed that the problems caused by the act would be significant.

The new regulations will mean that mothers and fathers will be able to request improved maternity and paternity leave provision.

Mike Emmott, CIPD adviser of employee relations, said: "Until they know how the new arrangements will work, employers will be understandably worried about the likely complexity of, in effect, transferring statutory leave and pay from mothers to fathers."

Under the act, changes are expected to be made to allow for a more flexible work/life balance for working parents, also including provision for adoption leave and pay.

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