UK lags behind 28 other countries, says report; experts call for a ‘shift in attitude’ around Shared Parental Leave
The UK lags behind 28 other countries when it comes to the provision of paternity leave, with new fathers reluctant to take up shared parental leave, new research has revealed.
“Two weeks is not enough time off for new fathers in Britain and paid leave for dads specifically should be increased,” said a spokesperson for First4lawyers, which carried out the research, adding that paternity pay and entitlement in the UK pales in comparison to many of its European counterparts.
New fathers in Sweden are entitled to 80 days more paternal leave than those in the UK, a total of 18 weeks. Those in Iceland and Slovenia are eligible for 12 weeks’ total paternity leave, while Portugal, India and Lithuania also offer more time off at 100 per cent pay.
“The UK’s paternity pay should match the majority of Europe’s at 100 per cent paid. This would give families the peace of mind that they can enjoy their time off with their newborn with no financial impact,” said Andrew Cullwick, spokesperson at First4lawyers.
“In relation to paternity leave, two weeks at 80 per cent paid is not enough. A small increase to four weeks at 100 per cent paid would help new dads not only support mothers but also give them the time they need to build a lasting bond with their child”.
Dr Melanie Smart, clinical psychologist at Chichester Child Psychology, added: “Although increasing the time spent with the child is extremely important, having that time off paid is essential for fathers in the UK. Many feel forced to return to work as most families simply can’t afford the main breadwinner in the family to bring home such a reduced rate of pay.”
The Conservatives promised in their manifesto to take steps to improve take-up of shared parental leave, which gives parents the right to split 52 weeks between them. Research published by solicitors’ firm Milners in May suggested that fewer than one in 1,000 employees have taken up shared parental leave since its introduction in 2015.
The First4lawyers report argues that the only way to encourage take-up of shared parental leave is by increasing pay and leave for dads, specifically focusing on paternity leave rather than parental leave. But chief executive of My Family Care, Ben Black, believes a broader attitude shift is also needed.
“This is not necessarily about increasing leave – it’s about making work the sort of place you can combine career and family successfully, and working flexibly and ensuring that all your employees are treated equally regardless of gender or race,” Black told People Management
“The reason take-up is low partly that people don’t know about it, and partly financial. This is what companies have to fix, and soon; but it’s important that people understand shared parental leave won’t ruin their career. This is about shifts in attitude rather than enhanced policy.”
The most recent findings follow a tribunal ruling that found a male employee was discriminated against when his employer refused his request to take additional paternity leave at full pay, after his wife was diagnosed with postnatal depression. In the final judgement, the tribunal pointed out that the caring role Mr Ali wanted to take on was not exclusive to the mother. Judge Rogerson stressed that parental leave choices “should be made free of generalised assumptions that the mother is always best placed to undertake that role”.
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