Positive impact of Paternity leave

Articles, stats, and reports to help build the case for increasing paternity and parental leave (with a UK and US focus but relevant for most countries)

Todd Carter

In conclusion, the case for gender parity through enhanced co-parent leave is clear. As societal norms evolve, businesses can choose to be at the forefront of these issues – paving the way for change – or they can wait and see what others do first. For me the choice is simple if we want to create a workplace that truly values its people and is comm... See more

Shelley Sutton • The business case for gender parity through enhanced family leave policies

However, implementing such policies is not without challenges. There may be concerns about the cost implications or potential disruptions to workflow. There are also, of course, many employees who are not parents, and it is important to ensure that they are supported as well, designing policies so that periods of leave are well planned for and adeq... See more

Shelley Sutton • The business case for gender parity through enhanced family leave policies

Implementation challenges for an enhanced parental leave policy

Firstly, such policies directly address the gender pay gap. Traditionally, women have taken longer career breaks for childcare, impacting their earning potential and career progression. By encouraging all parents to take substantial leave, we're promoting shared responsibility in childcare and reducing the disproportionate career impact on women.

Se... See more

Shelley Sutton • The business case for gender parity through enhanced family leave policies

What does it mean for businesses? Benefits of a truly enhanced parental leave policy

Our firm recently made significant strides in this area by equalising and enhancing our family leave policies. We now offer up to 26 weeks of leave for all parents - whether they're fathers, co-parents, or adopters – with 13 weeks at full pay and an additional 13 weeks at half pay. This move represents a substantial increase from our previous two-w... See more

Shelley Sutton • The business case for gender parity through enhanced family leave policies

Example of an enhanced paternity leave policy

Meanwhile, Dennis urged firms to monitor uptake and make increasing it part of the gender action plans, as announced in the employment rights bill.

The bill, announced in October, requires employers to develop and publish an equality action plan showing the steps they are taking in relation to their employees regarding gender equality.

Freddie Clemo • Hardly any dads have used shared parental leave since scheme was introduced 10 years ago, research finds

Interesting point about employers needing to show what steps they’ve taken to improve gender disparities in the workplace. Judith Dennis, head of policy at Maternity Action

“Until men and fathers are recognised as having equal responsibility for parenting, the onus will always be on women to care and accept lower-paid part-time roles with fewer opportunities for career progression – a leading factor in the gender pay gap,” she explained

Freddie Clemo • Hardly any dads have used shared parental leave since scheme was introduced 10 years ago, research finds

Succinct quote re: the gender pay gap between mothers and fathers

The stats showed 86 per cent of all parents felt dads needed better opportunities to be childcarers today.

Freddie Clemo • Hardly any dads have used shared parental leave since scheme was introduced 10 years ago, research finds

Not clear which study this is from

Jasmine Kelland, associate professor in HRM at the University of Plymouth, highlighted the barriers fathers faced trying to access leave that “aren’t widely discussed” and had been “perpetuated for years despite so much societal change”.

“Much of UK society still associates fatherhood with breadwinning behaviours, and when fathers access workplace ... See more

Freddie Clemo • Hardly any dads have used shared parental leave since scheme was introduced 10 years ago, research finds

Barriers faced by dads wanting to or who have taken SPL

Less than 2 per cent of new fathers have benefitted from shared parental leave since the scheme was introduced 10 years ago, research by The Dad Shift has found.

Freddie Clemo • Hardly any dads have used shared parental leave since scheme was introduced 10 years ago, research finds

Hardly anyone even tried it!