The plans, which will be put before MPs today, is designed to allow fathers to play a greater role in raising their children. Furthermore, this could also help mothers return to work at a time that is most appropriate for them.
Parents will be able to take the leave in turns or take it together, combined they have no more than 52 weeks in total.
It will also help develop a healthy work/life balance for employees. For example, a CEO can take a week off to spend time with his son and feel rejuvenated ready for the next week of work.
Sarah Jackson, chief executive of Working Families, commented on the bill: "Employers who allow flexible working benefit from better retention rates, reduced absenteeism and from loyal and motivated employees. We welcome the greater flexibility for parents to share the leave and pay in the first year of their baby's life.
"Over time these changes will change attitudes in the workplace, allow father more time to spend with their children, and start to tackle the maternity discrimination that so blights our helpline callers," she added.
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