The Guardian is reporting that a measure introduced by Nick Clegg, which would allow parents the right to split maternity leave between the two of them, is a threat to small businesses who are not ready to pay for maternity leave for both males and females who work for them. Some employers are worried that this will lead to unfairness and discrimination accusations from staff who wish to take leave.
Today, a mother who gives birth to or adopts a child is entitled to one year maternity leave, whereas a father can claim two weeks paternity.
New rules will mean that a mother can take 6 months maternity and share the remainder of her maternity with the father who can also take 6 months paternity to make up the year.
Read the full article at the Guardian