Paternity leave plans put on hold

Proposals to let parents share a year of leave to help raise a child have been put on hold by business secretary Lord Mandelson, due to the economic crisis. Despite backing by Equality Minister Harriet Harman, the plans to extend paid maternity leave to 12 months and allow fathers to share up to six months of this, have come under fire from business leaders who fear the move will mean spiralling costs and the creation of yet more red tape. Despite backing by Equality Minister, Harriet Harman, the plans: to extend paid maternity leave to 12 months and allow fathers to share up to six months of this, have come under fire from the business leaders who fear the move will mean spiralling costs and the creation of yet more red tape.