Shared Parental Leave: Starts 5th April 2015
Published byMartin Stephen
The new system of Shared Parental Leave (SPL) has received much media attention in recent months. Although the measures were enacted on 1 December 2014, the practical effects of the new system will only be felt by parents and employers in the near future.
To recap, the new system allows parents of babies born on or after 5 April 2015 to share the care of their child in the first year following birth or adoption. Eligible women are allowed to cut their maternity leave short and, with her partner or the child’s father, choose to utilise the new system of SPL instead. Where both parties meet the qualifying requirements, they are able to split between them their SPL and Shared Parental Pay entitlement.
The aim of the SPL is to allow parents a greater degree of flexibility in how they care for their child. Parents now share an allowance of leave, and can use it in a way that suits their individual circumstances. Parents may choose to be off work together or can take it in turns to look after their child should that be their preference.
Regrettably, the legislation which brought the SPL into force is not straightforward. Complex rules are in place relating to eligibility, the earliest date leave can begin, the process of notification and the means by which the number of weeks and pay is calculated. How successfully these rules work in practice remains to be seen.
The Department of Business, Innovation and Skills has developed an online calculator to assist parents calculate their eligibility and pay entitlements. This may also be of use to employers in trying to get to grips with the new rules and how they apply in practice.
We will be running a series of seminars on this topic in the coming months. In the meantime, should you require further advice on the new SPL policies, or require help drafting new SPL policies, please contact one of our employment team members on employment@wjm.co.uk
