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More flexibility likely for those on paid parental leave

The Government is proposing to increase paid parental leave from 14 to 18 weeks, and the consultation document released also includes allowing employees to return to work for a limited time without losing their paid leave.

At present being paid for any work during the leave means the paid parental leave ends.

Under the proposal, an employee will be able to work up to five days after the first four weeks parental leave.  This will enable employees to do things like training, keeping in touch, handovers and briefings, without risking their paid leave.

Employees who can come back for small tasks like this are likely to be more engaged in the workforce, and keep up to date with developments, while still retaining their entitlement to paid leave.