Businesses have reacted adversely to the publication of the Work and Families Bill. New measures in the Bill include:
- extending statutory maternity pay to nine months from April 2007
- a power to introduce new paternity leave and statutory pay for fathers if the mother returns to work after six months but before the end of her maternity leave period
- extending the period of notice for return from maternity leave to two months enabling employees and employers to better plan for the return to work.
The Forum of Private Business (FPB) has expressed concern that the proposals on paternity leave could seriously damage smaller businesses that rely on skilled male workers. The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) fears that the proposals will increase still further the red tape facing smaller businesses.
To read the dti press release go to: dti press release
The FPB’s comments can be found at: FPB’s comments
The FSB’s press release is at: FSB’s press release
|
