A government report on Shared Parental Leave reveals a low take-up by eligible parents
Michael Briggsshoosmiths.com
A government report on Shared Parental Leave reveals a low take-up by eligible parents
However, the scheme operates on the basis that mothers must ‘transfer’ their leave entitlement to the father or partner. The transferrable nature of SPL means that, if a mother wants to use most or all of her maternity leave entitlement, there is little or no leave available to the father/second parent – another added complexity to SPL.
Michael Briggs • A government report on Shared Parental Leave reveals a low take-up by eligible parents
It’s not shared parental leave, it’s shared maternity leave!
Whilst some employers are offering enhanced pay to mothers and fathers/partners, the enhanced pay provisions for partners generally reflects those of the mothers - for example, full pay for the first four months after the birth. More often than not, the mother is not going to give up leave within the first few months from birth and is therefore... See more
Michael Briggs • A government report on Shared Parental Leave reveals a low take-up by eligible parents
Mothers don’t want to share the early part of their leave (during any enhanced pay) so fathers miss out. Parents shouldn’t be forced to choose!
Financial constraints and access to enhanced pay is also impacting the take-up of SPL, with one in four mothers and one in three fathers stating that negative financial impact was the main reason for not taking such leave. Currently, parents taking advantage of SPL are entitled to £172.48 per week and if both parents decide to take SPL leave, this... See more
Michael Briggs • A government report on Shared Parental Leave reveals a low take-up by eligible parents
SPL doesn’t pay enough for either parent. Pay rate correct for 2023
The Department for Business and Trade recently published their report evaluating whether the SPL scheme has achieved its original objectives (the ‘Report’). The long-awaited Report has revealed that only 1% of eligible mothers and 5% of eligible fathers and partners have taken up SPL. HMRC data shows that those in receipt of Shared Parental Pay has... See more
Michael Briggs • A government report on Shared Parental Leave reveals a low take-up by eligible parents
SPL uptake has increased year-on-year inline with forecasts but that begs the question: why is uptake so low?