Families Bill leaves burden on employers, says Norman Lamb

2.27.36pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 19th Oct 2005

Commenting on the publication of the Work and Families Bill, Norman Lamb said, "We support the principle of increased maternity entitlement and transferable entitlement to time off. It is right that Government policy should put the emphasis on ensuring that parents have time with their new children."

He continued, "Working parents should have a real choice in these important early months. However, in reality only well off fathers are likely to take advantage of the unpaid extra three months leave."

Questioning Labour's current approach, Norman added, "The Government has left many questions unanswered. There is a danger that the scheme could turn into a bureaucratic nightmare. Will there be a burden on employers to check entitlement, to determine whether fathers actually care for their children, and to administer the scheme? We have argued for a maternity income guarantee that would give a better income for mothers and allow real choice. In addition we propose that the Government would be responsible for administering the payment, lifting a supplementary burden off business."