New ten-month paternity leave condemned as "complete minefield"

New ten-month paternity leave condemned as "complete minefield"

New fathers will get ten months paid maternity leave, according to government plans, as it attempts to abolish 'Edwardian' rules of traditional family roles.

The changes mean that parents will be able to split almost all of the 12 months maternity leave.

Nick Clegg has been a strong campaigner for these plans, as he has often spoken about his desire to be a more 'hands-on father'.

But the plans have been criticised by business leaders, who call them "a complete minefield".

Andrew Cave, of the Federation of Small Businesses, called this the "wrong move at the wrong time".

"The government says it wants businesses to take on more staff but this sort of thing just throws up more obstacles.

"Maternity leave is already the most complex aspect of employment law for many businesses and this risks making it a complete nightmare."

He said that the plans could involve businesses coordinating with other businesses to see how much of their allowance parents had used up.

In response, Mr Clegg is expected to say in a speech today that current maternity leave plans are "patronising" to parents.

According to a recent YouGov poll, almost 70 per cent of mothers would prefer to stay at home to look after children, rather than juggling work and home life.

Posted by Amanda Hopkins