Grandparental Leave
In 2016 the government announced plans to extend shared parental leave and pay to working grandparents by 2018.
Apparently a consultation was initially proposed for May 2016, and was also expected to cover options for streamlining the Shared Parental Leave and Pay system, including simplifying the eligibility requirements and notification system.
The government announced in June 2016 that the consultation would be delayed until after the referendum on leaving the EU.
What has happened since then?
The proposal has been on hold due to other government priorities - a casualty of Brexit perhaps?
There has been no consultation paper or timetable and matters are no further forward.
What can employed grandparents do?
As matters currently stand grandparents do not have specific statutory time off to care for grandchildren.
However, in some cases, they may be entitled to time off to care for the grandchild as a dependent if the grandparent lives with them, or in terms of the broader definitions that apply to time off under section 57A(4) which provides that the definition of "dependant" includes those who reasonably rely on the employee for such assistance or arrangements including:
(a) to provide assistance on an occasion when a dependant falls ill, gives birth or is injured or assaulted,
(b) to make arrangements for the provision of care for a dependant who is ill or injured,
(c) in consequence of the death of a dependant,
(d) because of the unexpected disruption or termination of arrangements for the care of a dependant…
A grandparent could also make a flexible working request provided that they 26 weeks' continuous service (as any employee can now make a flexible working request with 26 weeks’ continuous service).
If the employer has a sabbatical policy then the employee could consider whether to take a sabbatical if longer term care is required.
Heather Platt
5 February 2018