Family friendly rights

UK introduces new parental bereavement leave from April 2020

It is something that is difficult for any parent to contemplate but, should they experience the loss of a child, what provision is there for them to take time off work? Historically there has been no automatic statutory right to leave (paid or otherwise) for grieving parents. Employers could decide for themselves whether to grant compassionate leave, and many did so. However, from April this year, the Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Act (the Act) comes into force and introduces a legal minimum level of leave.

By Tom Fancett

Only 6% of Brits work 9am-5pm

A recent survey from YouGov has found that only 6% of Brits now work 9am-5pm and nearly half of those surveyed worked flexibly through job-sharing flexitime or compressed hours. The study shows that the most preferred working hours are 8am-4pm (chosen by 37% of the respondents) with another 21% saying they would prefer to start work even earlier at 7am and finish at 3pm.

By Aggie Salt

Publicise parental leave policies

A study conducted by the Liberal Democrats has revealed that only 4 UK government departments display their parental leave and pay policies on their external websites. This is despite the fact that the government has launched a new "Share the joy" campaign, intended to encourage more parents to utilise shared parental leave, and is spending £1.5 million to increase awareness.

By Laura Anthony