In the Queen’s Speech at the state opening of parliament yesterday it was revealed that the coalition government plan to revolutionise maternity leave by allowing parents to split it between themselves.
The move could allow mothers to return to work earlier after the birth of a child, but also allow fathers to be more hands-on with their newborns.
At present, mothers are allowed to take up to 12 months maternity leave, of which nine months is paid.
Fathers can only take two weeks paid paternity leave.
Legislation is really only a start to address the imbalance as what’s really needed is a fundamental shift in the way employers and society view bringing up children.
What do you think of the new proposals? Share your thoughts.