The changes mean that if a mother returns to work without taking a full year's maternity leave, the father will be able to take the remaining time, up to a maximum of six months.

The new rules confer the right to take APL on the child's biological father or the spouse or partner (of either sex) of the child's mother; or, in relation to the adoption of a child, the spouse or partner (of either sex) of the person who, having been matched for adoption, has elected to take adoption leave.

A new survey from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), published to coincide with the new Regulations, has found that of 1,300 businesses, over half (52%) said that they expected additional paternity leave requirements to be detrimental to their businesses, with over a third (34%) claiming they would be extremely detrimental.

David Frost, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“Our survey results show that employment law changes are causing great concern among employers, who, instead of concentrating on running their business, have to cope with more and more shifts in employment law. Every change, no matter how small, costs employers time and money. Unless practical steps are taken to help free businesses from red tape, the burden on employers will only increase, and barriers to job creation and economic growth will remain.”

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