More flexible parental leave can benefit working families – Lyttle

Alliance Employment and Learning spokesperson Chris Lyttle MLA has said that more flexible parental leave arrangements can benefit working families. His comments were made as the Employment and Learning Minister Stephen Farry launched a consultation on shared parental leave. In England, Scotland and Wales parents will be able to split 50 weeks of leave following the birth or adoption of a child from 2015, this consultation will see if similar proposals should be introduced here.

Chris Lyttle MLA said: “I welcome this consultation by an Alliance Minister that is looking to ensure that we have more fair and flexible employment practices that are also suited to the changing needs of the economy.

“With changes in the dynamics of parental responsibility, having more flexible parental leave can benefit working families.

“Shared parental leave can give parents more options as to when a mother can return to work while also giving fathers the ability to spend more with their child.

“Any new arrangement must also be right for employers so I would urge all relevant groups to take part in the consultation.”

ENDS