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MNHQ

Would you and your partner take time off work if companies offered 6 months paid parental leave for all?

563 replies

JustineBMumsnet · 26/11/2018 17:11

This activity is now closed

Having a new baby is an exciting time regardless of whether you’re a mum or a dad, and spending time with them in those first few months is a precious experience. A year ago Aviva introduced its equal paid parental leave policy, where all employees can take up to 12 months off, with no need for mums to share their maternity allowance. With this in mind, Aviva would like to hear your thoughts on giving all parents the same amount of time off.

Here’s what Caroline Prendergast, Interim Chief People Officer at Aviva has to say: “We decided to make all parents at Aviva eligible for the same amount of paid and unpaid time off, regardless of gender, sexual orientation or how they became a parent. We thought that dads would want to spend time with their new arrivals, just as mums do. One year on, our experience shows that with financial barriers removed, they do just that.”

You can find out more about Aviva as an employer here.

If all companies offered 6 months paid parental leave, do you think your spouse or partner would be prepared take the time off work to share childcare duties? If not, why not?

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Would you and your partner take time off work if companies offered 6 months paid parental leave for all?
OP posts:
Firefly89 · 09/12/2018 14:48

I think my th would have loved that. He was only allowed 1week off and hates leaving out 7week old. It's important for dads to bound with baby as well as mums and I would have a loved a bit more help with baby so I could catch up on sleep, the washing, housework etc.
But I can also see how some parents would want to go back to work sooner. Adult company is wonderfully after a few days of just baby talk!!

melissagabrielle · 09/12/2018 19:31

Yes absolutely! I would do it, shared parental leave is an important right for people to use if they want to encourage more companies to support it. It is so disappointing how few people do it and yet so many people pay lip service to the idea and say they want more shared parental leave like Nordic countries. My partner and I did shared parental leave without such great benefits when we had our first child two years ago and both loved it and it worked out so brilliantly for our daughter. The option of six months full pay available to all who took shares parental leave would be absolutely amazing!

mrsof20118 · 09/12/2018 21:08

Sounds a fantastic scheme and would really help with staff retention. Also creates fairness for both parents and a better work life balance. It's a shame more companies don't offer this as it's something my partner and I would consider.

tweetypi · 09/12/2018 22:01

This would be amazing and such a step forward for equality if it was rolled out to all companies. I have a 4 month old and am sharing my leave with DH - I think it will be so good for him and DD to spend that time together but at the same time feel a little bit resentful that I've had to sacrifice my time with her to make that happen!
If a company advertised this policy it would make me want to work there.

AlliKaneErikson · 10/12/2018 00:19

I certainly won’t be having any more children but if I did, and this was available, we’d absolutely make the most of it.
DH is a TA in a school and on a very low wage so couldn’t afford to take any extra time off when DD was born. I was very poorly after she was born so could have really done with an extra pair of hands as well as the extra time he would have had to bond with her.

Spices001 · 10/12/2018 07:01

It’s a great idea!but not always possible
I would absolutely have done it had I had the chance

glenka · 10/12/2018 07:22

This seems like a great idea in theory but I'm not sure that there are many who would be able to take up this offer.

ChocolateCake1 · 10/12/2018 07:27

Definitely, the support would be wonderful.

TracyKNixon · 10/12/2018 07:33

I think it is a fantastic idea and promotes equality where parenting is concerned!

Bellroyd · 10/12/2018 07:33

In today's economic climate, 6 months is too long to be away from the workplace in career terms. However, given the importance of establishing that early bond, we would certainly consider it a worthwhile sacrifice.

rhinosuze · 10/12/2018 07:43

Quite like the idea but my husband wouldn't, I can't see how he possibly could with his position at work, don't think it would go down well and to be honest he isn't the type to be at home. What I most like however is that it could stop employers thinking they wont take on a woman because she will go on maternity leave as they'll have men doing the same.
In principle it's great in practice I not sure

TiggersAngel7774 · 10/12/2018 08:05

Absolutely. I was lucky he had booked 4 weeks off when son was born as had emergency c-section and issues after. Was so glad first month could totally rely on him

finleypop · 10/12/2018 08:12

This would be a fantastic initiative that I would be happy to take advantage of

devito92 · 10/12/2018 08:20

Not for me as I work for myself

Elizasmum02 · 10/12/2018 08:33

This is a great idea! i would have definately taken the time off

AR2012 · 10/12/2018 08:53

Yes, It's a very precious and stressful time. So if it can be made less stressful it's appreciated. Though the financials will need to be calculated.

frances93 · 10/12/2018 08:54

Yes I would jump at the opportunity! When I had my DD I was terrified to leave the house as I had no clue what I was doing and thought everyone was judging me, I made myself sick and barely left the house. With no family support around me it was hard, my husband works alot so I was left to battle it on my own. Parenting is hard and I would applaud any company for giving parents paid leave.

sheilads105 · 10/12/2018 08:56

Absolutely - we are so behind in our thinking about parenting in the UK.

Helenge · 10/12/2018 09:00

Yes, my OH would love to take the time off work! It's his dream to be a stay at home dad!

Ganne1 · 10/12/2018 09:08

I think the initial problems with having a baby at home would be best shared. I didn't have this option when I had my children, but it certainly sounds good!

shellywkd · 10/12/2018 09:13

Definitely it is hard having a newborn and I think it would be a great idea. You would go back to work a lot let stressed

prwilson · 10/12/2018 09:39

It would depend on the exact situation at work, but I would like to think that being around to help and bond with the kids would be a good thing.

footdust · 10/12/2018 10:09

I think this could be great, and hopefully pave the way for more equal parenting as the child grows up as well. In practice, until it becomes more normal and accepted, we would worry about the impact it could have on DH's career.

holey · 10/12/2018 10:14

It's an amazing idea. Mine were born in the early 2000s when things were quite different but in principle, yes, why not? There are a lot of professions where this wouldn't be viable though and it may cause men with young families to be overlooked for promotion etc. From a personal point of view, my DH really struggled when ours were babies so I'm not sure being home for 6 months would have worked for us- I think his mental health may have suffered to some extent.

SSCRASE123 · 10/12/2018 10:23

I would have done as a permanent employee but just not feasible now as self employed. I'm all for it though in principle.