Work and Families Act 2006

New regulations came into force on 1st October 2006 which affect the rights and responsibilities of both employers and employees in respect of maternity, paternity and adoption leave for children adopted or born after 1 April 2007.

The three principle changes centre on:

• extended entitlements (in terms of both leave and pay) for parents of babies due (or children expected to be placed for adoption) on or after 1st April 2007
• better arrangements for maintaining contact between employers and employees on maternity leave (known as Keeping in Touch days)
• simpler administration of maternity, paternity and adoption leave and pay for employers

NHS Employers are currently discussing with Staff Side the changes required to the national terms and conditions of service handbook as a result of this legislation. In the meantime, NHS organisations are required to ensure that employees are properly advised in terms of their entitlements to maternity, paternity and adoption leave and pay. You can find detailed guidance from the following websites:

• Department for Trade and Industry
• Directgov