Work & Families

In 2004 the Government published “Choice for parents, the best start for children: a ten year strategy for childcare” which finally culminated in the Work and Families Act 2009.

This Act is designed to provide more choice and support for parents in balancing their work and family responsibilities whilst allowing fathers to play a greater role on the care of a child within the first year of its life.  The framework also includes measures which make it easier for employers to plan with greater certainty in circumstances where parents are absent in connection with childcare.

The following pages outline the provisions of the Work and Families Act 2009 and the subsequent regulations associated with it.