"Informed that a change in job location is imminent and that my current role will be vacated."
Government Proposes Significant Changes to Labor Legislation on Parental Leave, Breastfeeding, and Gestational Mourning
The UK Government has presented a draft bill outlining changes to labor legislation, focusing on parental leave, breastfeeding, and gestational mourning. Here are the key proposals:
Breastfeeding Leave
The Government plans to limit work dispensation for breastfeeding to two years, replacing the current law that allows dispensation "as long as breastfeeding lasts," with no maximum limit. A medical certificate proving breastfeeding must be presented ten days before the start of the dispensation period and renewed every six months. This contrasts with the current law, which requires no certificate until the baby is one year old, and leaves subsequent proof to the employer's discretion. Additionally, the reform removes the safeguard that breastfeeding time for part-time workers must be at least 30 minutes relative to work hours.
Gestational Mourning Leave
While maintaining the existing paid leave period for pregnancy interruption (14 to 30 days, decided by a doctor) paid at 100%, the Government intends to revoke the three consecutive days of leave currently granted for gestational mourning for mothers who do not opt for the pregnancy interruption leave. This leave can also be taken by the father if the mother is taking leave, but the revocation aims to eliminate this specific leave from the Labor Code.
Additional Labor Reforms
The draft also proposes to repeal the clause mandating a 180-day probation period for indefinite-term contracts specifically for workers seeking their first job or long-term unemployed, reducing legal burdens for these categories.
These changes aim to cover areas such as parental leave, breastfeeding, gestational mourning, and trial periods of employment contracts. Negotiations with social partners and approval of the proposed changes are still pending.
The proposed changes, if enacted, would affect the requirements for workers to enjoy dispensation for breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. The Labor Authority has registered 23 companies that violated the rights of new parents related to breastfeeding or bottle-feeding breaks since 2021. However, regarding any infringements that may have been committed by workers, inspectors did not detect any cases.
The Breastfeeding Helpline has seen an increase in parents seeking assistance, but the data contradicts the Minister of Labor's claim that there are cases of mothers breastfeeding children "up to primary school" to benefit from this regime. Currently, the law only requires proof after the child reaches one year old.
Parents face obstacles in reconciling professional and family life, and these proposed changes are part of the Government's plan to make over 100 changes to labor law. The Government's proposed bill aims to change the law, requiring a worker to present a medical certificate as soon as they communicate their intention to enjoy the dispensation and a new one every six months.
- The UK Government's draft bill proposes a limit of two years for work dispensation due to breastfeeding, as compared to the current law that allows it "as long as breastfeeding lasts."
- A key reform in the Government's proposal is the removal of the requirement for workplaces to provide a minimum of 30 minutes for part-time workers to breastfeed or bottle-feed.
- The Government aims to make significant changes to labor legislation, particularly in areas such as parental leave, breastfeeding, and gestational mourning, and is currently in negotiations with social partners to approve these changes.
- In the proposed changes, the Government intends to revoke the three consecutive days of leave currently granted for gestational mourning for mothers who do not opt for pregnancy interruption leave.
- The Government's decision to require a worker to present a medical certificate as soon as they communicate their intention to enjoy a dispensation and a new one every six months is part of its plan to overhaul the labor laws and support family health and women's health.
