Shared Parental Leave For Grandparents

Shared parental leave and pay scheme to be extended to working grandparents

The Government has announced that it is planning to extend the current scheme of shared parental leave and pay to include working grandparents by 2018.  A consultation is expected to be launched on the details of the extension in the first half of 2016, with the new legislation expected to come into force in 2018.

The Government hopes that the proposed change will increase flexibility and choice in parental leave arrangements and support working parents with the costs of childcare during the first year of a child’s life.

Evidence suggests that nearly 2 million grandparents have given up work, reduced their hours or taken time off work to help cut down childcare costs.

As a business owner, what do I need to do next?

So that’s the legal aspects that you need to be aware of. Next, you need to make sure that your business is ready for this change. This is what you will need to do:

• Update your maternity and paternity policies so they take into account these changes 
• Make sure that your employees are fully aware of their own responsibilities in light of these policies – for example, the notice that they should give 
• Make it clear that all existing contractual rights will still apply for staff who take advantage of the changes, except normal pay. For example, staff will still receive holiday entitlement and pension contributions 
• Make sure your line managers are fully onboard and up to date. Many will be worried about the administrative burden, so it’s vital that you’re there to answer their queries and lead the way

Shared Parental Leave offers a brilliant opportunity for employers and individuals alike, and it allows businesses to be supportive of staff members who wish to take time out to start a family.

Are you fully embracing this in your business?

If you need support in updating your policies to reflect these changes to the law, Aspire HR Solutions can advise you and your managers on how to approach this.

Please feel free to contact Aspire HR via the website www.aspirehr.co.uk, or email catherine@aspirehr.co.uk or telephone for a confidential discussion Catherine 07901 794439