Liberal Democrats in Business

News and views from the Lib Dem Treasury, Trade and Industry Teams and the Liberal Democrat Business Forum

Work & Families Bill Unfairly Hitting Small Businesses Hardest - Lamb

12.00.00am GMT Wed 18th Jan 2006

The Liberal Democrats have tabled an amendment to the Work and Families Bill which will be debated today in the House of Commons which would give companies of up to 50 employees the right to transfer the responsibility of paying maternity and paternity pay to the Government.

The amendment has the support of the Conservatives and was drafted in consultation with the CBI.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Shadow Trade and Industry Secretary, Norman Lamb MP, said:

"Parents should have the ability to take paid time off to spend with their children during their first months, but at the moment the burden of paying for this important policy falls disproportionately on smaller businesses.

"This amendment will redress this unfairness and allow both businesses and families to thrive."

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[Next news story]: Government Continues to Undermine Post Office Network - Reid (Thu 19th Jan 2006).

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