A long overdue helping hand for working parents is under consultation.
But further comment is being invited to make sure all the angles are covered.

The rights to take leave from work, proposed under the Employment Bill 2005 includes maternity rights and also the ability to start " flexible working" to help with child care.

The Island has lagged behind in a number of respects and this is trying to put that right.
Flexible working could be requested by parents struggling to cope with new arrivals or with looking after their family generally.
26 weeks unpaid leave for all pregnant employees could become a right going up to 52 weeks for some qualifying employees. These proposals are not set in stone. They are suggestions up for discussion. along with paternity leave, with fathers able to take a fortnight off after a birth to establish a bond with their new child.

Workers rights campaigners will applaud these moves though some employers might regard it as adding a further burden in trying to run a successful business.

Comments should be in to the Department of Industry by September 8th.