Family Leave Policy Consultation
The family leave policy has been updated to take account of changes to legislation on paternity leave and carers leave.
The main changes are as follows:
- Maternity support leave can now be taken from 11th week before the EWC and 52 weeks after the birth/placement. Previously this had to be taken within 56 days of the birth.
- Paternity leave can now be taken from the date of birth until 52 weeks after the birth. Previously this had to be taken within 56 days of the birth.
- MSL and Paternity leave can be taken separately, they no longer need to be taken in a 2 week block. Paternity leave must be taken as a block of 1 week, the 1 week MSL can be taken more flexibly.
- The notification periods for applying for paternity leave have changed to 4 weeks notice of each period of leave rather than 15 weeks before the expected week.
- Definition of a dependent has been updated to match government terminology.
- Removed reference to annual leave cards.
- Added statutory carers leave to the planned leave section and added in explanations of the different notice periods and criteria needed for statutory carers leave.
Phases
Analysis of results
We had 15 responses to this consultation.
93% of respondents found the updated arrangements for maternity support clear.
87% felt that the maternity support leave should remain as a fixed block and all felt we should retain this provision.
All respondents found the updated arrangements for paternity leave clear.
80% found the arrangements for statutory carers leave clear, there was a query over how far in advance you can advise of carers leave and what counts. The policy covers the definition of a dependant and further defines a ‘long term care need’ . A dependant with long term care need is required to be able to apply for statutory carers leave. There is also a section on notice to be given for statutory carers leave in the policy and how this leave can be used.
We also received feedback that the flexibility was positive for parents.
There was feedback received that we should look at improving the duration of Maternity leave and Paternity leave with full or partial pay. Whilst we appreciate that maternity and paternity leave can be difficult on family finances, we are not in a position to be able to further enhance our provision at this time. We offer Occupational Maternity/Adoption Pay which is above the statutory requirements and Maternity Support Leave is paid at full pay for 1 week which is a higher rate than statutory paternity pay.
We have therefore not made any further changes to the policy as a result of the consultation.