Calls for paternity increase

News |

Calls have been made to cut maternity leave and add it on to time off that Dads could take.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission said it wanted to see more sharing of paid leave between parents.

Currently, new Mums can take nine months paid leave but fathers can take just two. If the plan went ahead it would be the biggest shake up of maternity leave in ten years.

However, many small businesses are said to be concerned about the impact the plans could have on their companies.

The commission surveyed 4,500 people and found “a high percentage” of fathers wanted to spend more time with their children.

The new plan would cost around £5.3bn to introduce.

The commission suggested that new Dads should get two weeks off at 90% pay and another four months leave before their child was five years old.

Jeremy Todd, the Chief Executive of parent support charity Parentline Plus welcomed the report.

“Parenting is a tough job and greater job flexibility when a new baby arrives can only be a welcome step as families consider how best to balance childcare and work.

“It’s hard work looking after a newborn and we are sure that mums and dads would both appreciate dad being able to take some time off to share the care. Spending time with mum and dad helps bring about positive outcomes for children so anything that can be done to increase that is a good thing.”