EEF – the manufacturers’ organisation – is running a half day seminar at its Hook office on Thursday.

It aims to help Hampshire firms understand and adapt to the new Shared Parental Leave rights which come into effect this April.

New research by EEF shows that 40 per cent of HR professionals see shared parental leave as a key challenge their organisation will need to face within the next three to six months.

As a result, they rank shared parental leave as a bigger challenge in 2015 than improving attendance and performance, managing change and equal pay issues.

Lucy Atherton, who is a legal compliance expert at EEF, said: “Shared parental leave is a fantastic opportunity for companies to promote a more gender-neutral approach to work-life balance, but as with anything new and unknown, it’s not without its challenges. “With the changes due in April, it’s vital that local businesses get up-to-speed as quickly as possible so that they and their staff can maximise the benefits, while avoiding potential downfalls.

“Our seminar is designed to help them do just that, leaving attendees able to look forward to their first shared parental leave application with every confidence.”

Lucy said the introduction of shared parental leave marks a radical change in the family leave landscape and affects all employers. Parents will be able to share up to 50 weeks leave between them.

They can take this leave at the same time or separately, and can choose to intersperse periods of work and leave. This unprecedented level of flexibility will inevitably throw up challenges for employers.

To help companies get to grips with this, EEF’s seminar, Shared parental leave – who’s holding the baby? Taking place at its centre in Station Road, will translate the numerous regulatory requirements so that companies can confidently manage the shared parental leave process from start to finish.

Those attending will:

  • Learn to tailor and review policy to suit their business
  • Understand what other HR/family leave policy changes are required
  • Make informed decisions about shared parental leave pay and benefits
  • Get up-to-speed on other recent reforms to family rights, including increased antenatal and adoption rights
  • Better understand the likely impact and the predicted demands for a more flexible workplace.

Lucy Atherton, who is a legal compliance expert at EEF, said: “Shared parental leave is a fantastic opportunity for companies to promote a more gender-neutral approach to work-life balance, but as with anything new and unknown, it’s not without its challenges. “With the changes due in April, it’s vital that local businesses get up-to-speed as quickly as possible so that they and their staff can maximise the benefits, while avoiding potential downfalls.

“Our seminar is designed to help them do just that, leaving attendees able to look forward to their first shared parental leave application with every confidence.”

For more details and to book a place visit www.eef.org.uk/business-support/seminars-and-events/whos-holding-the-baby