06/06/2013
Childcare Consultation Opens
A public consultation on shared childcare arrangements for parents has been launched today.
Sharing Parents’ Rights, Extending Flexibility at Work will focus on a range of proposed measures intended to give parents greater flexibility over their shared childcare arrangements
The proposals consist of a system of shared parental leave and pay to enable mothers and adopters to retain a closer connection to the workplace.
It will also seek to enable those who share parental responsibility the opportunity to take a more active role with their new baby or adopted child during the first year.
There are also proposals that would permit both parents to be involved with antenatal care or the stages leading to adoption.
The second focus of the consultation will be on proposals to extend the right to request flexible working to all employees.
Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry said: "These proposals have clear potential to benefit working families, and indeed employees generally, whilst helping employers embed more flexible employment practices that are well suited to the needs of today’s changing economy.
"A Bill is currently progressing through Parliament that will introduce these rights in Great Britain. It is clear to me that there is a desire for a frank and open debate on working parents’ rights in Northern Ireland which takes account of these developments. I would welcome the views of stakeholders in order to inform my decisions on whether to follow the UK proposals or to take a different approach."
The consultation period will close on 23 August 2013.
(IT/MH)
Sharing Parents’ Rights, Extending Flexibility at Work will focus on a range of proposed measures intended to give parents greater flexibility over their shared childcare arrangements
The proposals consist of a system of shared parental leave and pay to enable mothers and adopters to retain a closer connection to the workplace.
It will also seek to enable those who share parental responsibility the opportunity to take a more active role with their new baby or adopted child during the first year.
There are also proposals that would permit both parents to be involved with antenatal care or the stages leading to adoption.
The second focus of the consultation will be on proposals to extend the right to request flexible working to all employees.
Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry said: "These proposals have clear potential to benefit working families, and indeed employees generally, whilst helping employers embed more flexible employment practices that are well suited to the needs of today’s changing economy.
"A Bill is currently progressing through Parliament that will introduce these rights in Great Britain. It is clear to me that there is a desire for a frank and open debate on working parents’ rights in Northern Ireland which takes account of these developments. I would welcome the views of stakeholders in order to inform my decisions on whether to follow the UK proposals or to take a different approach."
The consultation period will close on 23 August 2013.
(IT/MH)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.