Parents urged to take up joint leave
MORE parents in Sefton are being encouraged to take up the offer of shared parental leave in their baby’s first year as part of a new Government awareness campaign.
The workplace right for eligible parents allows them to share up to 50 weeks of leave and 37 weeks of pay after having a baby.
Mums and dads can take time off separately or they can be at home together for up to months.
A Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) spokesman said that about 285,000 couples every year are eligible, but that take-up could be as low as 2%, with about half of the general public unaware that the option exists.
Shared parental leave was introduced in 2015 to offer choice to eligible parents when it comes to childcare and allow mothers to return to work sooner if they wish.
The new £1.5m campaign encourages parents to “share the joy” and six aims to reach them through digital website advertising, social media, adverts in train stations and on commuter routes.
A new website will provide detailed information and guidance.
Business minister Andrew Griffiths said: “Shared parental leave gives choice to families.
“Dads and partners don’t have to miss out on their baby’s first step, word or giggle – they can share the childcare, and share the joy.
“Employers can reap the benefits too.
“We know that flexibility in work is proven to create happier, more loyal and more productive workforces.
“Providing truly flexible employment options is a key part of the industrial strategy, the Government’s long-term plan to build a Britain fit for the future by helping businesses create better, higher-paying jobs in every part of the UK.”
The campaign launched days after the Government set out its Good Work Plan to deliver the pledge to not just protect but build on workers’ rights.
Minister for women Victoria Atkins said: “Providing parents with choice and flexibility in how they balance chilcare responsibilities is a key step towards achieving equality in the workplace and beyond.
“Shared parental leave is good for parents, children and employers.
“I am very pleased that this campaign will raise awareness of its benefits and, as a result, give more parents the chance to make informed decisions about what’s best for their families.
“This government is determined to tackle and ultimately close the gender pay gap.
“To do this, we need to support women to fulfil their potential in the workplace – and giving women the choice to share childcare with their partners is crucial to that effort.”
Shared parental leave is available to employees who have worked continuously for an employer for about 40 weeks.
According to BEIS research, about 49% of people questioned have heard of shared parental leave, but only 8% claim to know a lot about the policy.