EXPECTANT parents in Chard and Ilminster are being urged to discuss parental leave with employers as Shared Parental Leave (SPL) becomes available across the UK.

Mums and dads with babies due on or after April 5 can share up to 50 weeks of parental leave.

Now the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills is advising expectant parents to talk with their employers.

To check eligibility for SPL visit gov.uk/pay-leave-for-parents or for more information visit acas.org.uk/SPL