The Work and Families Bill.

The Bill delivers primary legislation for regulations to be made extending statutory leave and pay for parents. The intention is to increase the period of Statutory Maternity Pay, Maternity Allowance and Statutory Adoption Pay to 39 weeks by April 2007 as a step toward 52 weeks by the end of the Parliament. Additional unpaid paternity leave will be introduced after further consultation. This leave could be paid if certain conditions are met. The intention is to allow mothers to transfer some of their unused statutory pay entitlement to fathers. Powers are also given allowing the scope of the right to request flexible working to be extended. The proposal is to include those who have caring responsibilities for adults with effect from April 2007.