THE Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce & Industry is urging the Government not to introduce new legislation which would force companies to give staff extra leave entitlement.

The chamber has made its call in response to the Government's Green Paper on work-life balance.

The Green Paper includes proposals include extending paternity leave rights for fathers and additional leave for mothers.

Chamber policy manager Andy Corrigan said: "Laws which would give key employees paid leave for long periods, as well as their annual holiday entitlement could be disastrous for business, especially small business.

"What's needed is a flexible, discretionary approach.

"We believe business has already adopted many good family-friendly policies and should be helped to promote best practice rather than be lumbered with more red tape."

The chamber said many firms already have voluntary arrangements which work well.

A recent survey from the chamber showed that 44 per cent of companies already allow fathers extra time off when their child is born.

The chamber is now calling on MPs in the region to support its stand on the issue.