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ARTICLE · 24 JULY 2006

Further Family Flexibility

Mishcon de Reya LLP
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Mishcon de Reya LLP

Mishcon de Reya LLP

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Thousands of working parents stand to benefit from new rights after the Work and Families Act 2006 received Royal Assent on 21 June 2006. Whilst the greater choice to families in how they balance work and caring responsibilities will undoubtedly increase the burden on employers, the new rights should also benefit employers by helping them plan ahead and manage maternity and paternity leave with greater certainty.

United KingdomEmployment and HR
James Libson
James Libson
Joanna Blackburn
Joanna Blackburn

Thousands of working parents stand to benefit from new rights after the Work and Families Act 2006 received Royal Assent on 21 June 2006. Whilst the greater choice to families in how they balance work and caring responsibilities will undoubtedly increase the burden on employers, the new rights should also benefit employers by helping them plan ahead and manage maternity and paternity leave with greater certainty.

The new Work and Families Act 2006 will come into force in April 2007, building on the significant measures this Government has introduced for working families since 1997. Major changes will be made to maternity, paternity and adoption leave and pay, as well as an extension of the right to flexible working. The key new rights for employees are as follows:

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