Paternity Leave Proposals will Increase Costs

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The Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI) has raised concerns over reports that the Government is considering extending statutory paternity leave allowance to six months.

According to the RMI, such a move would add yet another layer of cost and bureaucracy to the administrative burden small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) already shoulder.

'Proposals to introduce a six month allowance for paternity leave will be unworkable for many businesses that simply don't have the resource to cope with the loss of key members of staff for such a period of time,' said Nick Jones, director of human resources at the RMI.

He continued: 'The RMI supports flexibility for workers with families - indeed, many employers in the retail motor sector have already made moves to implement family friendly policies - but we would have serious concerns over a one size fits all rule.

'These proposals could threaten the future prosperity of many small and medium sized businesses, potentially adding considerable costs in terms of recruitment, training and loss of productivity.'

Web Site:
www.rmif.co.uk

The Retail Motor Industry Federation represents the interests of operators in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man, providing sales and services to motorists and businesses. The RMI has a formal association with the independent Scottish Motor Trade Association which represents the retail motor industry in Scotland.