Nursery World - HR Update - What employers and staff can expect in 2012

Employment law has changed this year and other new legislation is on its way in 2012. Jacqui Mann, managing director of HR4 Nurseries, reviews the important developments and urges employers to keep their policies up to date

PATERNITY LEAVE

Additional paternity leave was introduced from 6 April 2011. Additional paternity leave can be taken 20 weeks after the child is born. It must finish before the child's first birthday. Until now, fathers have only been entitled to two weeks paid paternity leave, but the new additional leave allows eligible employed fathers or partners to take an extra 26 weeks leave to care for the baby, if the mother returns to work before the end of her maternity leave.

RETIREMENT AGE

The default retirement age has now been phased out, meaning that employers are no longer allowed to dismiss staff because they have reached the age of 65.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included