KEY MEASURES

• Power to extend the period of Statutory Maternity Pay, Maternity Allowance and Statutory Adoption Pay
• New right for the mother to transfer some of her maternity leave and pay to the father 
• Power to extend the right to request flexible working to other groups with caring responsibilities

TERRITORIAL EXTENT

The proposals would extend to England, Wales and Scotland.  Separate legislation would be required for Northern Ireland, who are also currently consulting on the proposed measures.

COMMENTS

If you have any comments on the proposals you can email them to:

julie.braithwaite@dti.gsi.gov.uk

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The provisions in the Bill will be dependent on the outcome of the consultation currently being undertaken by the DTI on measures announced in the 2004 Pre-Budget Report and the accompanying document, "Choice for Parents, the best start for children: a ten year childcare strategy". 

The DTI consultation document, "Work and Families: Choice and Flexibility"  is available at: www.dti.gov.uk/workandfamilies.