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Better parental leave entitlements could reduce the demand for paid childcare but also improve the working conditions of nursery staff, writes Peter Moss

Parental leave has had star billing in the news, amid the speculation about whether Prime Minister Tony Blair should take time off work for the birth of his son Leo, and reports that the Government is considering paying up to 150 a week to parents taking leave. What implications might this have for nurseries?

Parental leave is an entitlement for parents to take time off work after the arrival of a child. Unlike maternity leave, which is mainly a health and welfare measure for mothers and newborn babies, and unlike paternity leave, which is mainly intended to give fathers some time off around the birth of their child, parental leave is equally available to mothers and fathers. It is intended to give both parents more time to care for their children, without risking their jobs. This new right was introduced into the UK at the end of last year. Employees having a baby or adopting a child on or after 15 December 1999, and who have completed one year's qualifying service with their employer, are entitled to 13 weeks leave for each child up until the age of five.