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Last Updated: Tuesday, 31 January 2006, 14:26 GMT
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Work and Families Bill
AIM
This bill offers greater support to working parents.

MAIN PROVISIONS
BILL'S PROGRESS
Responsible department: Dept for Trade & Industry
Origin: House of Commons
Introduced: 18 Oct 2005
Second reading: 5 Dec 2005
Committee stage: 13 & 15 Dec 2005
Remaining stages: 18 Jan 2006
Consideration of Lords' Amendments: 13 June 2006
LORDS:
First reading: 19 Jan 2006
Second reading: 14 Feb 2006
Committee stage: 9, 27 & 29 March 2006
Report stage: 25 April 2006
Third reading: 8 May 2006

ROYAL ASSENT: 21 June 2006
  • Increases maternity leave from 26 to 39 weeks from April 2007
  • Makes a proportion of paid maternity leave transferable
  • Extends the right to request flexible working to other groups with caring responsibilities

    BACKGROUND
    This legislation emanates from the Chancellor's 10-year childcare strategy announced in December 2004 as part of the pre-budget report.

    The proposals were developed in the consultation process launched by the DTI on 28 February 2005, 'Work and Families: Choice and Flexibility'.



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    RELATED INTERNET LINKS
    Work and Families Bill
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