The pitter-patter of tiny feet could have an unexpected impact on offshore operations, according to oil and gas employment expert Katie Williams.
New laws which allow the sharing of parental leave following the birth of a baby could disrupt shift patterns and lead to staff shortages in specialist roles. Traditionally men would take a few weeks off work following a birth but the new rules, introduced in December, mean couples can now share up to 50 weeks leave for any child born on or after 5 April 2015.
Katie Williams, an Aberdeen based partner at legal firm Pinsent Masons, said that the new legislation could play havoc with shift patterns in the North Sea where key staff operate on rotational basis such as three weeks on/off.
