Time off for Working Grandparents

Earlier this year, we saw the introduction of shared parental leave and pay for parents. As many employers still seek to get to grips with shared parental leave, the government hints at another change on the horizon.

The Chancellor has announced plans to extend shared parental leave and pay to working grandparents to give families further flexibility during the first year of a child’s life.

Grandparents are often a first port of call to care for a child when mothers think about returning to work after maternity leave. It is suggested that nearly 2 million grandparents have given up work, reduced hours or have taken time off work to help their families who could not afford childcare costs.

The government will consult during the first half of next year with a view of implementing the policy by 2018.

For specific advice on shared parental leave please contact mchamberlain@thursfields.co.uk