Maternity

The new announcement on paternity leave has clearly taken many employers by surprise, as it wasn't mentioned in the government's election manifesto

Working parents are to be given a range of new employment rights including extended maternity and paternity leave, as well as the ability to swap time off between mothers and fathers

Lack of finances forces quick return to work for new mums.

The government has reportedly scrapped a ground-breaking scheme designed to get more women to return to work in the NHS

As increasing numbers of women leave having children until later in their careers, will maternity coaching catch on as a training tool? Stephanie Sparrow examines the possibilities

Three-quarters of small- and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in the UK believe that maternity and paternity leave is not a problematic issue for their company, according to new research

More than half the UK's male workers plan to take advantage of additonal paternity leave when it becomes available.

Barren outlook for women; Wage rises backed by TUC; Seek out the surveys

Individual liability for discrimination

An unmarried teacher who was sacked from a New York Catholic school for being pregnant is suing for unfair dismissal

Maternity leave and communication

Adele Morris, partner at Magrath & Co, answers this week's dilemma

Following extensive consultation, the new Work and Families Bill has been published

The government has today confirmed plans to give new fathers the right to take up to six months' paternity leave. Maternity pay will also increase to nine months, under the Work and Families Bill.

Employers have been told not to worry about the right to extended unpaid paternity leave, as it is likely to be ignored by new fathers.