Unlocking the potential of family-friendly employment laws

Unlocking the potential of family-friendly employment laws

By Adrian Lewis, Director, Activ People HR

In today’s rapidly evolving job market, businesses must embrace family-friendly employee benefits and policies to attract and retain exceptional talent. Recognising and accommodating the diverse needs and responsibilities of employees is not only essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance but also for building thriving workforce.

The good news is that three groundbreaking laws have recently been passed that will enhance protection for employees. The Carer’s Leave Act, The Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act, and The Protection from Redundancy (Pregnancy and Family Leave) Act will significantly change the landscape of employee benefits.

While these laws are set to take effect next year, employers can start to prepare now for the significant impact they will have on their workforce. Embracing these progressive laws can modernise businesses and prompt employers to review and enhance their existing benefits and policies to better support their employees.

The Carer’s Leave Act:

The Carer’s Leave Act, which originated from the Carer’s Leave Bill presented by Wendy Chamberlain MP, received Royal Assent on May 24, 2023, making it law. This act allows employees who care for a spouse, civil partner, child, parent, or other dependents requiring at least three months of care due to illness, injury, disability, or old age to take time off to fulfil their caregiving responsibilities. The bill also ensures that employees are protected from dismissal or detrimental treatment as a result of taking this leave. Carer’s leave can be taken flexibly in blocks of five days, individual days, or half-days, providing the necessary flexibility for carers to manage their work and care responsibilities. Employees will be required to self-certify their eligibility for carer’s leave, facilitating a balance between work and caregiving while enhancing retention and well-being.

The Neonatal Care Act:

The Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act: Also receiving Royal Assent on the same day, the Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act establishes a new day-one right for eligible employed parents whose newborns require neonatal care. In addition to existing leave entitlements such as maternity and paternity leave, parents can now take up to 12 weeks of leave to be with their baby during this critical period.

The Protection from Redundancy (Pregnancy and Family Leave) Act:

The Protection from Redundancy (Pregnancy and Family Leave) Act expands the current protection granted to employees on maternity leave to those on adoption/shared parental leave when a redundancy situation arises. This act ensures that employers offer suitable alternative vacancies to employees on maternity leave or adoption/shared parental leave, starting from the point the employee informs the employer of their pregnancy and continuing until 18 months after the birth.

How can businesses prepare for these changes?

It is recommended that employers take proactive measures to familiarise themselves with the new laws. Understanding and adhering to the laws will prevent potential claims from employees regarding the violation of their rights. Communicating the changes to employees is key to ensuring their awareness of their new rights and showcasing the employer’s commitment to employee well-being. Employers should also establish processes and use technology, such as absence management systems, to track these new types of leave and enable effective resource planning to cover periods of absence seamlessly.

The introduction of these groundbreaking family-friendly employment laws will greatly benefit employees facing caregiving and family-related situations. For businesses, this presents an opportunity to go beyond legal requirements and offer enhanced support in these areas. By effectively communicating these changes and promoting existing benefits such as flexible working, parental leave, and protection benefits, employers can demonstrate their commitment to their employees’ well-being.