Extra parental leave plans are put on hold

Plans to extend maternity and paternity leave have been set aside for the time being by business secretary Lord Mandelson.

The proposals for a year’s shared parental leave between mothers and fathers would have given dads — currently entitled to two weeks’ paternity leave — six months’ leave to look after a new baby, allowing mothers to return to work early.

There had also been a pledge to extend paid maternity leave from nine to 12 months.

The proposals, announced in 2005 and due to be introduced this year, had been strongly criticised by the business lobby as too expensive and administratively complex.

A spokesperson for the business and skills department said the plans are being reviewed and so have been put on hold.

He said that the department had not yet announced a date for extending maternity and paternity rights, and was “continuing to review the appropriateness of all new regulations due to come into force in the current economic climate.” He added: “It is only right that in tough economic times we look afresh at the costs and benefits of new regulations.”

The decision has been condemned by equality campaign, the Fawcett Society. Director Katherine Rake accused Mandelson of undermining the equalities agenda. “He cannot use the recession as an excuse to roll back hard-won commitments to mums and dads,” she said.