Fallon Michael via Unsplash @fallonmichaeltx
Stephen has welcomed that millions of workers across the UK are set to benefit from changes to employment law that strengthen parental leave rights and provide greater security at work.
From April, new measures will ensure that parents are entitled to key parental leave rights from the first day of a new job, extending access to time off during the early stages of a child’s life. Bereaved partners will also gain expanded access to paternity leave.
The changes are designed to improve job security, support working families, and help raise living standards by making employment more flexible and sustainable, particularly for those with caring responsibilities.
Many workers have previously been unable to take time off following the birth of a child because of eligibility restrictions or concerns about job security. The new day-one rights aim to remove this barrier, allowing parents to take parental leave without fear of losing their job.
The reforms are expected to increase take-up of paternity leave, with tens of thousands more fathers able to access leave immediately following the birth of their child. Parents will also be able to take unpaid parental leave from the start of a new role, giving families greater flexibility to share caring responsibilities.
The changes come alongside a wider review of parental leave and pay arrangements, examining how maternity, paternity and shared parental leave can be improved for both parents and employers.
Around 390,000 people are currently out of work due to caring responsibilities but would like to be employed. By improving access to parental leave and flexibility at work, the reforms aim to support more parents into work and strengthen the wider economy. Even a small increase in workforce participation could deliver a significant boost to economic output each year.
Commenting on the changes, Stephen said: “Across East Ham, many parents have spoken to me about the importance of being able to spend time with their children in those crucial early months without added financial pressure.
“Stronger parental leave rights will help families in our area feel more secure, support children’s early development, and contribute to healthier, more resilient communities.”