New regulations on parental leave are to come into force in 2003. The idea is to boost the family while not putting undue pressure on companies.

The new deal for working parents who adopt a child will mean:

• Six months' paid leave and six months' unpaid leave
• Adoptive parents will be able to choose which of them takes the time off work and receives the payment
• The other parent will be entitled to take two weeks' paid "paternity" leave
• Paid adoption leave will be available for children adopted up to the age of 18
• Employees will have to give their employers notice when they are approved for adoption that they will want to take leave and approximately when this might be needed
• Small employers will be able to reclaim the money they pay in full plus compensation for administering adoption pay.