Stephen Morgan MP has welcomed the Government’s confirmation of new day one rights for parental leave, from April of this year onwards.
Over 18 million workers across the UK are set to benefit from stronger protections at work, including improved parental leave rights, with most insecure workers set to gain the most.
Changes will create more secure jobs and raise living standards, ensuring economic growth is felt by working people in every part of the UK, including Portsmouth.
Millions of workers who were previously denied time off for the birth of their child will become eligible for new day one rights to parental leave from April, through measures being laid in Parliament today (Monday 12 January).
The changes, which stem from the recently passed Employment Rights Act, will see parents no longer be forced to make the heart-wrenching choice between being there for the first weeks of their child’s life or going back to work to avoid losing their job.
An additional 32,000 more dads per year will be able to access Paternity Leave immediately, as a mother would with maternity leave.
This comes as the Government continues its Parental Leave and Pay Review, which will assess the whole system – from maternity and paternity leave to shared parental leave – to see how it can work better for parents and employers.
Around 390,000 people are estimated to be out of work due to caring responsibilities but want a job, including parents. The reforms to parental leave include the right to take Unpaid Parental Leave from the first day in a new job, giving a further 1.5 million parents more flexibility to share caring responsibilities. If even 1% of those out of work were able to take up a part-time job as a result of this move, it could boost economic output by around £150m a year.
Commenting, Stephen Morgan, MP for Portsmouth South said:
“Portsmouth’s working parents should never have to worry about whether they are able to take time off when their baby arrives or when they are ill.
“I welcome the Government’s confirmation of parental leave and sick pay rights, which will give the workers of this city and their families the security that they deserve.
“Labour’s employment rights plans are already delivering, ensuring support to those who need it the most.”
Commenting, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:
“For too long, working people were left without the basic rights and security they deserve. That ends now.
“The changes we’re bringing in will mean every new parent can properly take time off when they have a child, and no one is forced to work while ill just to make ends meet. This is about giving working families the support they need to balance work, health and the cost of living.
“We’re delivering a modern deal for workers. Stronger sick pay, parental leave from day one, and protections that put dignity back at the heart of work. Because when we respect and reward those who keep Britain running, we build a stronger economy for everyone.”
