8. RIGHTS TO TIME OFF WORK FOR WORKING PARENTS AND CARERS

Recent changes to the law

There have been the following recent changes to the law on time off for working parents and carers:

• Since April 2011, parents have been able to share maternity leave to a limited extent, subject to detailed rules.

• From 8 March 2013, the unpaid parental leave available for each child or adopted child was increased from 13 weeks to 18 weeks.

• From 8 March 2013, under the Parental Leave (EU Directive) Regulations 2013, the right to request flexible working on returning from parental leave was extended to qualifying employed agency workers (i.e. employed agency workers with a year’s service).