Latest news with #parentalleave
Sky News
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Sky News
Paternity pay in UK is one of the lowest in the developed world, MPs say
The UK has one of the "worst statutory leave offers for fathers and other parents in the developed world", the chairwoman of the Women and Equalities Committee has warned. Sarah Owen said the UK's parental leave system was in "urgent need of an overhaul to fit with the reality of working parents' lives". "The UK's parental leave system has fallen far behind most comparable countries," she added. Her comments come as a new report by her House of Commons committee found that a maximum of two weeks' paternity leave is "completely out of step with how most couples want to share their parenting responsibilities" and "entrenches outdated gender stereotypes about caring". The UK's rate of parental pay is "completely out of kilter with the cost of living, has not kept pace with inflation and is far below rates in most comparable countries", the report states. The Women and Equalities Committee has urged the government to consider raising paternity pay to the level of maternity pay during the first six weeks, which equals 90% of someone's average earnings. It also called on the government to either amend the Employment Rights Bill to legislate for a day one right to paid leave or commit to "considering this vital change within its review" in consultation with employers. The report stated that working parents "will be let down by a review that leads only to tinkering around the edges of the system". In its report, the committee also recommended a phased introduction of increases to statutory pay across the system to improve the rates for all working parents up to 80% or more of average earnings or the real living wage. Additionally, it urged the government to consider options for providing statutory paid leave for all self-employed working fathers as part of its review of the parental leave system, as the lack of provision for self-employed fathers was "deeply unfair". The report suggests considering the introduction of a paternity allowance for self-employed fathers and other parents, similar to the maternity allowance. The upcoming review into the parental leave system must examine the function and necessity of eligibility rules, with a view to "simplifying or removing the employment status, time in service and earnings criteria", the committee added.
News.com.au
2 days ago
- Business
- News.com.au
How life will change for millions of Aussie from July 1
From minimum wage increases to a crackdown on tobacco, a number of changes will come to effect for millions of Australians from July 1. State and federal governments typically use the new financial year as a starting point for a range of regulatory and legislative changes. Among this years changes are an increase to the minimum wage and changes to skilled migration. The NSW and Victorian governments will also crackdown on tobacco with new licensing schemes. See the full list of changes here: National – The minimum wage will increase by 3.5 per cent from July 1. The Fair Work Commission will raise the National Minimum Award to $948 per week or $24.95 per hour, which will apply from the first full pay period starting on or after July 1. The minimum award wages will increase by the same percentage. – A number of changes to superannuation will come into effect from July 1. On that day, the superannuation guarantee rate will increase to 12 per cent. The new percentage will be applied to all salary and wages paid to eligible workers on or after July 1, and will mean employers will have to pay a minimum of 12 per cent to an employees superannuation fund. The maximum super contribution base will meanwhile decrease from $65,070 to $62,500. – From July 1, Services Australia will lift the number of Parental Leave Pay days from 110 to 120 for children born from that day. Parents, including of adoptive children, will be able to claim up to three months before the date they expect the child to 'enter their care'. – Skilled visa income thresholds will be increased by 4.6 per cent from July 1, when the annual indexation takes affect. The Core Skills Income Threshold and Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold will increase from $73,150 to $76,515 while the Specialist Skills Income Threshold will increase to $141,210. – The sorts of products smokers can purchase is set to change from July 1. In the new financial year, a raft of changes to tobacco sales will come into full affect, including the banning of flavoured or menthol cigarettes, the removal of names such as 'smooth' and 'gold', packets will ne standardised at 20 cigarettes, as well as the rolling out of consistent shapes and sizes, and new health information. Many of the changes have already been implemented. NSW – From July 1, NSW will finally have a tobacco licensing scheme. Retail businesses selling tobacco and non-tobacco smoking products will required to notify NSW Health, with stiff penalties for any breaches. – A new Community Services Industry portable long service leave scheme will be introduced on July 1. It will give workers in the community services industry, who often work with multiple employers, access to long service leave after seven years of service to the industry with one or more employers. – Improved protections for renters are slated to come into effect from July 1, including making it easier for accessibility infrastructure to be installed, providing evidence that an animal is an assistance animal, and obtaining approval for minor renovations. – A raft of changes to strata in NSW will come into effect from July 1. They include new strata committee duties, protection for owners in strata from unfair terms, increased penalties for developers, and other improvements to strata laws. – Community land law changes will also take effect from July 1, including ensuring that sustainability is discussed during annual general meetings, that requests to change association property for accessibility infrastructure only needs a majority vote at an association meeting, and that by-laws don't ban sustainability infrastructure based on appearance – except if it is a heritage property. Victoria – New rules requiring motorists to slow down to 40km when passing workers on the roadside, or stationary or slow-moving vehicles (travelling at 10 km/h or less) displaying flashing lights, will be introduced from July 1. Previously applicable to emergency and law enforcement vehicles, motorists will now also have to slow down for other vehicles, including accident towing trucks, roadside assistance, and incident response vehicles. – From July 1, tobacco retailers and wholesalers will be required to apply for a licence to sell tobacco products. Tough penalties will apply for those found contravening the new regulations, inducing a fine of $829,878 for anyone operating without a licence or caught possessing or selling illicit tobacco. For an individual, it is $165,975 (or five years prison. – A planning permit will not automatically be required for a venue with a liquor licence in Victoria beginning July 1. – The payroll tax free threshold will increase from July 1 to will be lifted from $900,000 to $1,000,000 for annual returns, and from $75,000 to $83,333 for monthly returns. – The Victorian Default Offer, a set electricity price, will be set at $1675 from July 1. Queensland – Annual rent and eligibility checks for all social housing tenants will be reintroduced from July 1. The checks will confirm if tenants still meet income thresholds. – People convicted of a crime with pay more from July 1, when the Queensland government indexes the rate of a penalty unit. From that date, a single penalty unit will rise from $161.3 to $166.9 for most offences covered under state legislation, as well local law penalties. Western Australia – Reforms to WA's public sector will begin to take effect from July 1. They include the transition of the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation to the Department of Energy and Economic Diversification and a new Office of Defence Industries. A new Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration will administer and drive the future development of the resources industry. – Rebates will be made available for residential solar batteries of up to $1300 for Synergy customers and up to $3,800 for Horizon Power customers from July 1. The reforms are aimed at allowing more households access to batteries and rebates. South Australia – The SA government will implement cost of living measures from July 1, including capping the price of a 28-day student pass on the MetroCard to $10 – down from $28.60. The change means a trip for a student on public transport will cost about 25c. Tasmania – RBF Life Pensions, Interim Invalidity Pensions, and Parliamentary Pensions will be indexed in-line with reflation and a Consumer Price Index of 1.150 per cent on July 1. – TasWater, Tasmania's water and sewage utility, will increase its prices by 3.5 per cent from July 1. The average residential customer will see an increase of about 12.04 cents per day. – From July 1, the electoral reforms will establish a new scheme for disclosing political donations and electoral expenditure in parliamentary elections, and administering public funding in relation to House of Assembly elections in Tasmania. Northern Territory – The payroll tax-free threshold will increase to $2.5m on July 1, with maximum annual deductions also increased to $2.5 million maximum annual deduction to $2.5 million  Australian Capital Territory – On July 1, the ACT government will raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 14. – A short-term rental accommodation levy will be introduced in the ACT on July 1. It will apply to books of no more than 28 days. – The ACT Public Service will be restructured from July 1, including directorate mergers, function transfers and the creation of the new Digital Canberra directorate.
ABC News
4 days ago
- Health
- ABC News
Labor to change law after mother's paid parental leave was cancelled when baby died
For six weeks, tiny Priya fought for her life in the neonatal intensive care unit in a Sydney hospital. It was June 3, 2024 when — at not even 25 weeks — she arrived in the world nearly three months early — and left unbearably soon. Despite her premature birth, she had been surprising doctors with how strong she was. But on day 42, little Priya ran out of fight. "One dreaded Sunday, we were just shocked when she was unwell and she passed away," her mother said through tears. "It was the worst day of our lives. "I've never felt such pain, you just feel like screaming … it's almost like a primal feeling." Five days into grappling with her daughter's death, Priya's mother — who asked not to be named — says she called her employer of 11 years to tell them of her loss. Flowers, teddy bears and condolences from colleagues arrived, but after a text exchange with her employer that lasted another five days, she received a message she found both shocking and distressing. It was her workplace notifying her that her three months of pre-approved paid parental leave (PPL) had been cancelled. Instead, her employer offered four weeks of personal leave — not even enough to cover Priya's time alive. Up until then, she had been using a mix of annual and long service leave, so never received a day of the three months of approved PPL through her employer. The government paid leave, however, did remain. Already, she was so overcome with grief she would wake up in the middle of the night crying and now she had a new problem on her hands. "They just escalated my grief and trauma even more than needed to be," she said. She had already begun to needlessly question her motherhood and her employer's decision just compounded that. "I was thinking maybe I really must not be a mother — even my workplace is saying that," she said. After building a career in employment services, helping other people find work, she was now having to do the same, having quit after feeling such disrespect from her workplace towards her and her baby. Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Amanda Rishworth calls it a "gap" that needs to be fixed. "No parent should have their employer paid parental leave cancelled in the event of a stillbirth or an early death of a child," she said. Spurred by the advocacy of Priya's parents, the federal government has committed to making the legislative change "swiftly," but has not put a timeline on it. Minister Rishworth said the law firstly needed to be drafted, then consulted on with employers, unions and Priya's parents. She said most employers continued to guarantee the leave in the circumstance of a stillbirth or early death of a child, but the government wanted to make sure "there is no grey area". "For those that it does affect, it is profound," she said. The government said the change would align the private sector with the Commonwealth scheme so employees are still entitled to the leave if their child is stillborn or if the baby dies while the employee is on PPL, or during a period in which they could have accessed it. In the year since Priya's passing, more than 31,000 people have signed an online petition to support the cause. On Friday, Priya's mum and dad met Minister Rishworth in Adelaide to show her the signatures. "In the name of Priya, other grieving parents will not need to go through the same pain that I did," her mother said. "I'm feeling so grateful to my daughter Priya … she's given me strength."
CTV News
30-05-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Planning a parental leave? How to prepare yourself financially: Christopher Liew
Personal finance contributor Christopher Liew has some tips for expecting parents who are planning to go on leave from their workplace. (Morsa Images / Getty) Christopher Liew is a CFP®, CFA Charterholder and former financial advisor. He writes personal finance tips for thousands of daily Canadian readers at Blueprint Financial. Preparing for the arrival of your first child can be as exciting as it is overwhelming, especially if you're planning to take parental leave. While your Employment Insurance (EI) will provide some basic income support, it typically only replaces a portion of your regular earnings. If you don't already have several months' worth of expenses saved in reserve prior to the arrival of your new child, you'll need to employ some resourceful budgeting if you plan to take time off with your family. Whether you're planning to take a few months off or the full extended leave, the key to a successful transition lies in understanding the support available to you combined with a solid financial plan. Below, I'll break down some basics about how EI parental benefits work, how much you can expect to receive, and outline practical budgeting tips to help you feel more financially prepared. Parental leave basics EI maternity and parental benefits provide income replacement for eligible parents while they take time off work to care for a newborn or newly adopted child. However, the structure and amount of these benefits may differ based on your situation and the type of leave you choose. Should you choose to take parental leave, your right to return to work may also be protected by various provincial regulations, allowing you to return to your prior position and rate of pay. EI qualification To qualify for EI parental benefits, you must have worked at least 600 insurable hours in the 52 weeks before your claim (equivalent to working around 12 hours per week for one year) and must also have experienced an interruption in earnings due to childbirth or parental responsibilities (something almost every parent qualifies for). Both biological and adoptive parents may apply. If you're self-employed, you must be registered with the EI program and meet minimum contribution requirements. Standard vs. extended parental leave Eligible new parents have two options: Standard leave - provides up to 40 weeks of shared benefits (with one parent eligible for up to 35 weeks), pays up to 55 per cent of your average weekly earnings Extended leave - offers up to 69 weeks (with one parent eligible for up to 61 weeks), pays up to 33 per cent of your average weekly earnings How much can you get from EI parental leave benefits? As of 2025, the maximum weekly benefit for standard parental leave is $695, and for extended leave, the weekly maximum drops to $417. These amounts do count as taxable income, which means you won't see the full amount. That said, some employers offer their own prospective parental leave benefits, which could help bridge the gap, providing you with additional income and your employer with a tax break or credit. Budgeting before the baby arrives Understanding what you can expect to receive from your EI government benefit is the first step to creating your budget. Once you have a reliable number you can expect from EI, you can create a plan to cover any additional resources you may need to cover bills and basic living expenses. 1. Estimate your EI income and compare it to your current spending Use the Government of Canada's EI benefits calculator to get a rough estimate of what your weekly payments will be. Then, compare that number to your current monthly expenses to identify any potential shortfalls. Knowing your 'leave income' in advance helps you determine how much you may need to cut back or save ahead of time. 2. Build a parental leave emergency fund Ideally, you should aim to save enough money to cover three to six months' worth of essential expenses. Start putting aside money each month before the baby arrives. Even a small, consistent contribution can make a big difference as you prepare for a newborn. 3. Reduce or eliminate non-essential expenses Take a close look at your spending and trim where possible. Cancel unused subscriptions, limit takeout, and postpone big-ticket purchases. Prioritize needs over wants, especially as baby-related expenses begin to take up more space in your budget. The goal is to keep your finances manageable while still enjoying time with your new child. Long-term financial considerations In addition to saving up and budgeting for your basic parental leave, adding a new member to the family will come with a host of other long-term financial implications, such as: Your child's clothing School supplies Furniture, bedding, and room supplies Food and snacks Childcare expenses while they're too young for school Although you don't need to budget for these specific expenses immediately prior to your parental leave, I do encourage new parents to devote some of their time off to create a financial plan for the future. Once you get back into the daily rhythm of work, life, and caring for your child, planning for the future can become more difficult. Whether your goal is to create more disposable income, reduce your living expenses, go back to school, or start a small business, it's easier to do this while you're rested and relaxed rather than after you get back to the grind. Final thoughts Thanks to EI parental leave benefits, eligible parents-to-be are entitled to a portion of their pre-leave income. This benefit payment, combined with the right budgeting skills and savings, can provide new parents with the stress-free time they need to forge a lasting bond with their new child. Planning ahead (even as early as nine months ahead) will give you a better chance to set you and your family up for success and allow you to take as much time as you need.
CTV News
30-05-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Christopher Liew: How to financially prepare yourself for parental leave
Personal finance contributor Christopher Liew has some tips for expecting parents who are planning to go on leave from their workplace. (Morsa Images / Getty) Christopher Liew is a CFP®, CFA Charterholder and former financial advisor. He writes personal finance tips for thousands of daily Canadian readers at Blueprint Financial. Preparing for the arrival of your first child can be as exciting as it is overwhelming, especially if you're planning to take parental leave. While your Employment Insurance (EI) will provide some basic income support, it typically only replaces a portion of your regular earnings. If you don't already have several months' worth of expenses saved in reserve prior to the arrival of your new child, you'll need to employ some resourceful budgeting if you plan to take time off with your family. Whether you're planning to take a few months off or the full extended leave, the key to a successful transition lies in understanding the support available to you combined with a solid financial plan. Below, I'll break down some basics about how EI parental benefits work, how much you can expect to receive, and outline practical budgeting tips to help you feel more financially prepared. Parental leave basics EI maternity and parental benefits provide income replacement for eligible parents while they take time off work to care for a newborn or newly adopted child. However, the structure and amount of these benefits may differ based on your situation and the type of leave you choose. Should you choose to take parental leave, your right to return to work may also be protected by various provincial regulations, allowing you to return to your prior position and rate of pay. EI qualification To qualify for EI parental benefits, you must have worked at least 600 insurable hours in the 52 weeks before your claim (equivalent to working around 12 hours per week for one year) and must also have experienced an interruption in earnings due to childbirth or parental responsibilities (something almost every parent qualifies for). Both biological and adoptive parents may apply. If you're self-employed, you must be registered with the EI program and meet minimum contribution requirements. Standard vs. extended parental leave Eligible new parents have two options: Standard leave - provides up to 40 weeks of shared benefits (with one parent eligible for up to 35 weeks), pays up to 55 per cent of your average weekly earnings Extended leave - offers up to 69 weeks (with one parent eligible for up to 61 weeks), pays up to 33 per cent of your average weekly earnings How much can you get from EI parental leave benefits? As of 2025, the maximum weekly benefit for standard parental leave is $695, and for extended leave, the weekly maximum drops to $417. These amounts do count as taxable income, which means you won't see the full amount. That said, some employers offer their own prospective parental leave benefits, which could help bridge the gap, providing you with additional income and your employer with a tax break or credit. Budgeting before the baby arrives Understanding what you can expect to receive from your EI government benefit is the first step to creating your budget. Once you have a reliable number you can expect from EI, you can create a plan to cover any additional resources you may need to cover bills and basic living expenses. 1. Estimate your EI income and compare it to your current spending Use the Government of Canada's EI benefits calculator to get a rough estimate of what your weekly payments will be. Then, compare that number to your current monthly expenses to identify any potential shortfalls. Knowing your 'leave income' in advance helps you determine how much you may need to cut back or save ahead of time. 2. Build a parental leave emergency fund Ideally, you should aim to save enough money to cover three to six months' worth of essential expenses. Start putting aside money each month before the baby arrives. Even a small, consistent contribution can make a big difference as you prepare for a newborn. 3. Reduce or eliminate non-essential expenses Take a close look at your spending and trim where possible. Cancel unused subscriptions, limit takeout, and postpone big-ticket purchases. Prioritize needs over wants, especially as baby-related expenses begin to take up more space in your budget. The goal is to keep your finances manageable while still enjoying time with your new child. Long-term financial considerations In addition to saving up and budgeting for your basic parental leave, adding a new member to the family will come with a host of other long-term financial implications, such as: Your child's clothing School supplies Furniture, bedding, and room supplies Food and snacks Childcare expenses while they're too young for school Although you don't need to budget for these specific expenses immediately prior to your parental leave, I do encourage new parents to devote some of their time off to create a financial plan for the future. Once you get back into the daily rhythm of work, life, and caring for your child, planning for the future can become more difficult. Whether your goal is to create more disposable income, reduce your living expenses, go back to school, or start a small business, it's easier to do this while you're rested and relaxed rather than after you get back to the grind. Final thoughts Thanks to EI parental leave benefits, eligible parents-to-be are entitled to a portion of their pre-leave income. This benefit payment, combined with the right budgeting skills and savings, can provide new parents with the stress-free time they need to forge a lasting bond with their new child. Planning ahead (even as early as nine months ahead) will give you a better chance to set you and your family up for success and allow you to take as much time as you need.
