Speaking at a Relationships Alliance event in London this week, David Cameron acknowledged that grandparents are currently getting a ‘raw deal’ when they become carers to their grandchildren.
He said he was considering making a pledge in the Conservative general election manifesto to give grandparents who become guardians to their grandchildren the same rights as adoptive parents. This would include paid leave and greater financial support.
From next year, adoptive parents will be entitled to nine months paid leave. The move, introduced under the new Children and Families Act, will bring adoptive parental leave in line with paid maternity leave.
In response to a question from Grandparents Plus chief executive, Sam Smethers, about bringing leave for grandparents in line with that given to adoptive parents, Mr Cameron said, ‘That is something I am very happy to look at in terms of manifesto, and we have got some Conservative MPs here who have got some responsibility for giving me ideas on that front, so I am sure they will take note of it.’
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