17 March 2005

Family Friendly working proposals

The BPIF is preparing a response to the Department of Trade and Industry’s proposals on Family Friendly working. These are part of the government’s flagship election manifesto pledges. The BPIF will work with the CBI and DTI to put forward the best solutions for the printing industry. The key elements of the proposals are: - Simplification of the administration of maternity pay. The options range from the very expensive extension of Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) to all mothers for twelve months, to the suggestion that the Inland Revenue pay SMP directly. - A right for mothers to transfer a portion of their maternity leave to fathers. - Extending the right to request flexible working to carers and parents of older children. - An increase in the notice periods for returning to work after maternity leave. - Clarification of the rights of employers to communicate with employees on maternity leave. Click here to download the full consultation. Any BPIF members interested in contributing their experiences to the consultation should contact Lizzy Hawkins on 020 7915 8319 or email [email protected].