Juggling your job and family

More time off

Work usually clashes most violently with life if there is a family crisis, like long-term illness. The good news is that parents are entitled to take up to 13 weeks off during their child's first five years. The bad news is it's unpaid.

"It would have sent out a really good message if parents had been encouraged to take this and if it had also been paid leave," says Maggy Meade-King. "An emergency situation can often break the camel's back in a family, and if you're on the edge economically, as a lot of young families are, unpaid leave is not necessarily an option. But it's a good start."

Maternity benefits

Maternity leave: extended to six months.

Who's eligible? Everyone, regardless of length of service or working hours.

Maternity pay: first six weeks at 90 per cent of salary, remaining 20 weeks increased to £100 or 90 per cent of average weekly wage, whichever is smaller.

Who's eligible? Those who've been in continuous employment for at least six months by the qualifying week (15 weeks before the week your baby's due).

Additional maternity leave: a further six months unpaid.

Who's eligible? Those who've been in continuous employment for at least six months by the qualifying week (15 weeks before the week your baby's due).

Paternity benefits

Fathers can take up to two weeks off, paid at a flat rate of £100, within eight weeks of their baby's birth.

Adoption

Parents adopting are eligible for many of the same benefits as other parents. For more details ask our expert.

Proper notice must be given for the above benefits to apply. Ask your employer for details. Alternatively, call the DTI national helpline on 08457 47 47 47 or visit the DTI website.