The BIS have highlighted that an estimated 285,000 couples finding out now that they are expecting a child will be among the first parents who may be eligible to take advantage of new shared parental leave rights [note that the right also applies to qualifying adopters]. The new rules, which apply to couples whose babies are due from next April (2015), will allow parents to choose whether they want to share the mother’s maternity leave. Shared Parental Leave (ShPL) is designed to give parents more flexibility in how to share the care of their child in the first year following birth or adoption. Parents will be able to share a pot of leave, and can decide to be off work at the same time and/or taking it in turns to have periods of leave to look after the child. The rules are complex and employers are advised to start work now on reviewing and amending their parental leave policies to be ready when the new law comes into force

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