The government has announced how the new system of shared parental leave will operate for employees and employers.
Earlier this year the government invited views on how the system for shared parental leave and pay should operate.
The consultation considered how the new system should work and align with current arrangements for maternity and paternity leave.
The proposals for shared parental leave and flexible working are included in the Children and Families Bill 2013 which is currently going through Parliament. The details will be set out in regulations and are expected to be introduced from April 2015.
The new leave system will allow eligible working families to have more choice about how they balance their work and caring commitments. Parents can choose to be at home together or to work at different times and share the care of their child.
The government hopes that businesses will also benefit from being able to have more open discussions about patterns of leave with their employees.
