On 5th October 2015, George Osborne announced that working grandparents will be able to share parental leave in the future. The changes will increase flexibility in parental leave arrangements and support working parents during the first year of a child’s life. It is expected that legislation will be brought forward and the policy will be implemented by 2018.
This decision has been brought about as evidence shows that nearly 2 million grandparents have given up work, reduced hours or taken time off to help their children who cannot afford childcare costs. Many mothers rely on grandparents for childcare when they return to work after maternity leave. It is thought that in total, some 7 million grandparents are involved in childcare. The changes are expected to provide flexibility in working arrangements for grandparents without fear of losing their job. Parents will also be able to return to work sooner if they wish to, the changes will ensure that working families can structure their lives and arrangements for childcare in the way that works best for them.