12. SUE MORONEY (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister of Labour
What changes have recently been made to the paid parental leave scheme?
Hon RUTH DYSON (Minister of Labour) Link to this
As one of a list of family-friendly moves by this Government, the successful paid parental leave scheme has been extended to 14 weeks from 1 December. This latest extension follows on from the December 2004 increase in entitlement from 12 to 13 weeks.
As a matter of fact, yes. Further extensions to the scheme are planned, with a bill referred to the select committee last evening to extend paid parental leave to self-employed people. The bill reflects this Government’s strong commitment to support working families. Well over 2,000 self-employed people each year are expected to benefit from the move.