Dads have a vital role to play in care

THE UK Government is under pressure to ensure that dads can afford to take their paternity leave.

MPs are calling for statutory paternity pay to be paid at 90% of the father’s wages (capped for higher earners).

The Women and Equalities committee is also recommending a new policy of 12 weeks leave for a dad in a child’s first year as an alternative to shared leave.

They further want the Government to legislate so all jobs are advertised as flexible from day one, unless there is a clear business reason not to.

The MPs are concerned that admirable rhetoric is not cutting it when it comes to helping parents truly share the challenge of bringing up children.

There is particular concern that less well-off dads are not able to afford to take the leave to which they are entitled.

The push for action has gained new impetus as a result of concern about the gender pay gap. Unless men are willing to play a much greater role in child-rearing, it is argued, women will continue to be held back in their careers.

We are in the throes of nothing less than a social revolution. The change that has taken place in gender roles and working patterns within living memory is remarkable.

It is essential that parents are able to choose the best option that suits their family. Today’s property market means that it is not financially viable for one parent to stay at home, especially not after years of wage stagnation.

Parents who try to juggle the responsibilities of work and family need all the help society can provide. Employers should do everything possible to help mums and dads fulfil these vital roles with the maximum flexibility.

There is no space in modern Wales for outdated attitudes which make it harder for a dad to play his full role as a carer. Years of wage stagnation mean it is often simply not an option for one half of a couple to give up paid employment to look after children or an elderly parent, so government has a duty to help people provide the type of support without which communities would crumble.

Our economy will be more dynamic and fairer if it is easier for people to continue to bring their skills, gifts and passions to the jobs market without feeling that they are neglecting those they love. We will all prosper when the final barriers to fairness and obstacles to opportunity are removed.