Six Month Paternity Leave for British Fathers

The British government announced this week plans to give fathers up to six months’ paternity leave. Trade and Industry Secretary Alan Johnson said the Work and Families Bill will create a modern framework of employment rights. He maintains the bill will have a minimal impact on business despite concerns, especially from smaller firms. The plan, which will make it illegal for employers not to give staff 28 days holiday, is now going out to consultation.  Meanwhile, some small business groups expressed concern that small businesses will suffer. A London small business owner said in the Timesonline that the paternity leave policy was “absolutely ridiculous. It is the nanny state gone berserk. If we lost one worker for six months it would raise all kinds of horrors for us. If two or three guys went on paternity leave at the same time it could put us out of business." Source.  New&Star.com. For additional information, click here (last visited October 22, 2005, reo). For additional information, click here (last visited October 22, 2005, reo).