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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

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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:
nigelh66 · 10/12/2018 10:40

Yes :)

Sparklepants3 · 10/12/2018 10:46

I think it's a great idea, especially as it takes a long time to recover and get into a routine, but I don't think we'd use the 6 months. I think it would be grest to take as long as we like but as it's going to happen anyway as soon as things are settled and routines are made he'd go back to work. Maybe part time

mo3733 · 10/12/2018 10:50

i think this is fantastic and i definitely would have appreciated this when my children were young

AuFinch · 10/12/2018 11:15

I think its great, and if all companies could afford to offer it they would! My man has a small business which employs 1.5 people and unfortunately there is just no way he could run it as a going concern offering such incentivies - which he would love to do.

Yes we would take it if it was offered. We only hope the government can help small businesses in some way, or pay for this type of thing for small businesses to be able to offer the same.

but my man would never take it, as the business is him, if he is off there is no money made!

jazzitup · 10/12/2018 11:18

Yes

emmmaaa26 · 10/12/2018 11:46

I think its a good idea but I don't know if as many men would take it as women. Love that it gives them the opportunity.

DenCop1 · 10/12/2018 11:54

In theory this sounds like the perfect idea but I'm not sure many would want it together. Financially I'm not sure it is viable to take such a huge reduction in income at such an expensive time.
Also relationship wise 6 months together with a new baby might not be ideal in many relationships

iut044 · 10/12/2018 12:18

Yes but I don't see many companies offering it .

janeyf1 · 10/12/2018 12:35

While it sounds like a lovely idea, I just don't think it is practical logistically to both be out

grantd1 · 10/12/2018 12:54

yes of course

twinklenicci · 10/12/2018 13:00

as a stay at home Mum it isnt really relevant to me , but i would love it if my husband was able to have paid leave to be at home with the family for a while

BL0SS0M · 10/12/2018 13:01

Absolutely I think it’s important for parents to bond with their babies and also support each other

sm2012 · 10/12/2018 13:15

It's a great idea but depends how much the company you work for is willing to pay. Mine was just statutory and as my husband currently earns more it wouldn't have been affordable as his company offers just the minimum too.

lnesbitt81 · 10/12/2018 13:29

Yes absolutely. It's not just about shared duties but also shared bonding. It's not time you can get back

sallyhartley · 10/12/2018 14:17

Maybe for the first month. If its practical . Would be great

Blainalass · 10/12/2018 14:31

Yes!

ThemisA · 10/12/2018 14:32

You bet your sweet bippy I would but I'd need my premium bonds to come up trumps first!

sophiefx · 10/12/2018 15:22

I think it's a great idea! Definitely gives us parents to enjoy being parents!

gd2011 · 10/12/2018 15:27

Definitely

sarah861421 · 10/12/2018 16:43

yes, there is no down side for the parent but its completely impracticle for any employer, public or private

meepmoop79 · 10/12/2018 16:44

Without a doubt. I would love to do that, and i think my partner would as well.

Ikea1234 · 10/12/2018 17:10

Wow! Such progressive thinking. My company only paid SMP, meaning take up of paternity leave is very low as it isn't seen as financially viable for the fathers. The fact it isn't financially viable for mothers either is a whole other argument!!

My partner and I had shared parental leave. I had 6 months at SMP and he took 1 month, with only two weeks of that being paid. It has been so rewarding, thou ghost financially it doesn't reflect that. If like Aviva, the pay was better I believe there would be a greater take up.

It's sad to think that fair pay (above SMP for parental & maternity leave) is only being addressed since the drive for greater male take up. Lack of equality all round!

Nikita90 · 10/12/2018 17:10

I would but my husband wouldn't as he loves his job and would go stir crazy at home1!!

charw92 · 10/12/2018 17:39

I think I would, but I'm sceptical as to how well it would work in practice. Employers would technically be giving 1 year paid leave as opposed the 3-6 months just now, so I don't see it actuallt happening.

lolamia91 · 10/12/2018 18:00

Yes of course I think both parents need substantial time off!