EHRC proposes parental leave changes

Proposals to change the way parental leave is granted to workers at different levels of career development have been made by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC).

The commission believes that transforming leave for both fathers and mothers will help tackle the gender pay gap, reduce social inequality and provide assistance to low income families.

Plans include offering 90 per cent-paid paternity leave for the first two weeks following the birth of a child and 90 per cent-paid maternity leave for 26 weeks instead of the current six.

The commission also suggests allowing either parent to take four months of leave after six months of maternity leave comes to an end at any time until the child's fifth birthday.

Nicola Brewer, chief executive of the EHRC, said: "When it comes to modern approaches to parental leave, we may need to try a different route.

"Today we are proposing one of the most radical changes in our approach to parental leave in a decade. We have spoken to parents, to employers, to unions and to leading academic experts in the field."

Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show that the gender pay gap rose from 17 per cent in April 2007 to 17.1 per cent a year later.