The measures, first outlined in the 2004 pre-Budget report, include increasing maternity and adoption pay from six months to nine months by April 2007 and giving families the option to transfer some leave to fathers.
Announcing a consultation on the plans, trade and industry secretary Patricia Hewitt said, 'It's not the job of Government to tell mothers, or fathers, how to live their lives, but it is our job to give them more choices and more support so they can give their children the best start in life.'
Other proposals include giving parents of older children and people who look after sick or disabled relatives the right to request flexible working hours.
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