The Government has announced a consultation on allowing new mothers to transfer some of their maternity leave entitlement to the father. Under the proposals, mothers with maternity leave outstanding in the second six months of a child's life will be able to transfer up to six months of maternity leave to the father. Up to three months of that leave will paid at the same rate as Statutory Maternity Pay if the leave is taken during the mother's 39-week maternity pay period. Consultation on implementing regulations will begin shortly. The Government intends that the law will be in force by April 2010 and will be effective for parents of children due on or after 3 April 2011, to allow employers time to adjust to the measures. As regards administering the new system, parents will be required to 'self certify' by providing details of their eligibility to their employer. However, employers and HM Revenue and Customs will both be able to carry out further checks on entitlement if necessary. |
