transfering maternity leave to Husband

[DuelingFanjo]

I have just seen this article about Cameron taking 2 weeks off work after the birth of his new daughter and was interested to read that "from April 2011, new mothers will be able to transfer the second half of their year-long maternity leave to the father."

I knew this had been discussed as a possibility but wasn't aware it was now possible.

Does anyone know where on the .gov site I can get info about this and can I transfer say 3 months?

Also is it only going to apply to babies born after April? Mine is due in Dec.

I believe that it is due to be implented in April 2011, having been postponed once - it was due to be implemented in April 2010.

I work in HR so I've been keeping an eye on this. I think it was postponed for bureaucratric reasons (e.g. how employee's notify their employers etc).

As the higher earner in my household, this would have been beneficial for my OH to take extended leave, but then as I've had to carry the baby for 9 months and give birth, I deserve the time off

this has been happening in canada for a while now, is a good idea. no, it would not apply to babies born in december, sorry.

hmmm, even though I would still be on maternity leave when April arrives. bummer. Will have to break the news to DH!

I thought it was going to be unpaid leave for the man though, which many couples are not going to be able to afford.

As far as I understand it the mum gets first choice, so if she wants to take all the leave herself she can.