Usdaw launches campaign reminding parents and carers they have new rights

Retail union Usdaw is launching a national campaign to remind parents and carers that from April 1st 2007 they have new rights that will make sure it will be easier for them to juggle their family and work commitments.

The Work and Families Act gives mothers whose baby is due on or after April 1st an extension of Statutory Maternity Pay and maternity allowance from six months to nine months. Usdaw believes this gives women workers the option to spend more time at home with their babies.

“New mothers are entitled to Statutory Maternity Pay paid at £112.75 per week which expectant mothers need to be aware of so they can properly plan their maternity leave,” says Usdaw General Secretary John Hannett. “A key part of our successful Supporting Parents and Carers campaign will be working with employers to negotiate increases above that statutory level to make it easier for our members to afford time off with their young children.

“There is also good news for Britain’s army of carers as the new legislation extends the right to request flexible working to carers of adults. Carers who care for disabled children already have this right, but our members who care for sick or disabled adults are telling us that this new right to request flexible working will help make it easier for them to manage their unpredictable caring responsibilities and work commitments.

“Usdaw believes these new rights need to publicised as widely as possible as they will make a significant difference to the working lives of parents and carers. Any new parent or carer who wants to know more about these new rights can access detailed information via our website at www.usdaw.org.uk"

• A copy of Usdaw's latest survey - Putting the spotlight on Parents Rights can be downloaded from the web site or can be filled out online.

• Contacts for newsdesks: Usdaw’s Media Officer, Paul Clarke, can be contacted on 0161 249 2469 or e-mail paul.clarke@usdaw.org.uk.
• Usdaw (the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK’s fifth biggest trade union, with over 340,000 members. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemicals and other trades.
• More information and news releases are available at our online Newsroom.
• Journalists can subscribe to receive Usdaw news releases via our online e-news service.

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© 2003 (USDAW) Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers
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