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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?

All who post below will be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £300 voucher for the store of their choice (from a list).

Thanks and good luck!

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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:
Hohocabbage · 10/12/2018 18:05

Nikita it’s lucky that there are so many women who don’t love their jobs and find being at home extremely fulfilling 24/7 then, isn’t it. Hmm

RACHELSMITH45 · 10/12/2018 18:41

It's a good idea for some maybe. I'm not sure it would have worked for us.

disdream84 · 10/12/2018 19:43

We would jump at the chance! It would be amazing to have this time which we could spend together x

maryandbuzz1 · 10/12/2018 19:45

I know my husband would have taken time off to be with our son had he been given the chance.

Funkyferret · 10/12/2018 19:49

It's a great idea on paper but wouldn't work for us as my husband's job is quite specialist, involving long-term time sensitive projects whereas I am more flexible. It would also depend on the salary implications of any company adopting the policy.

juju3 · 10/12/2018 20:06

nice idea - unworkable but yes

phillie1 · 10/12/2018 20:16

Think it would be very useful for 1st few weeks(when hubby used holiday to be at home), but after that no need to have both of you home

jandoc · 10/12/2018 20:25

I would definitely take the time off but not sure if my partner would

glennamy · 10/12/2018 20:29

No, both money and promotional prospects would be badly harmed!

IonaAilidh11 · 10/12/2018 20:50

not really we both enjoy work

ecomousey · 10/12/2018 20:58

Absolutely! There's no greater joy than spending time with your little ones, and that time is very fleeting.

jacknjessica · 10/12/2018 21:32

Good idea in theory, but might not be all that affordable or practical for some.

giddyypixie · 10/12/2018 21:33

I think it would be a great idea to have my OH there for the first 6 months, especially as I would get paid leave too. I could put my feet up for the first 6 months...not!

Rachdayan · 10/12/2018 22:05

Plain and simple. Yes, if this is about both parents having paid time off simultaneously to share in the enjoying those early days with a new baby, but a definite no if this is about dividing the time a mother would have with her child in order that she go back to work early and the other parent take over. This I feel is moving away from a supportive maternity leave entitlement.

pfcpompeysarah · 10/12/2018 22:06

I think it depends on the job, the company and the situation to be honest, sometimes taking time away from a role leaves you at a disadvantage when you return. If I am honest, I don't know many men who would take advantage of it, most are glad to spend time away from a crying baby for a few hours!

feeona123 · 10/12/2018 22:13

I think it is a great idea but not sure how it would work for my husband. Six months in his role is a long time where he might get left behind.
Also six months of us both being at home together might be a step too far!

Neoflex · 10/12/2018 22:15

I live in a country where men do get paid maternity leave: the couple has 14 months and can split it like they want. We split the leave 50/50 and it was the best decision we could have made.

LeeR1985 · 10/12/2018 22:47

We would both 100% take 6 months off work if it was fully paid. No question about it. We work in retail so have to deal with some horrible people so would be a nice break from the grind to spend time with the children

MrRichTea · 10/12/2018 22:48

Most def.as i think bonding time is very important, though we might drive each other mad!

helly27 · 10/12/2018 23:23

Am a stay at home parent so don'y honestly know

lhlee62 · 10/12/2018 23:43

I would love to have shared childcare, even if it wasn't for the full 6 mths it would have been nice for a few weeks or maybe a month. I don't think it's needed for the full 6 mths

mave · 11/12/2018 05:59

When they were preschool perhaps but not now they are older

SilverDoe · 11/12/2018 06:31

Absolutely yes I would. DP is at home with our kids so when I was in maternity leave it’s been really special and practically beneficial having both parents around. I wouldn’t trade that time for the world and I think (although have been flames for saying so on here) that these are the kind of equal opportunities that benefit women in terms of equality in the work place.

happysouls · 11/12/2018 08:17

I think it is a really good idea and lovely for both parents to have the freedom to choose. I don't know that many people could afford to do it though. I would not have been able to.

Hohocabbage · 11/12/2018 08:20

Agree. This thread is eye opening for me in terms of how some women view men’s jobs - more important, career damaging to step back for 6 months, bored at home. All things that happen to women but so what.
I mean, I would have guessed men felt this way but not that so many women did too!