As Government reforms to paternity regulations come into force recently, 4 out of 10 men claim they will not be taking advantage of the reforms, a new study has revealed.
Out of 1,000 men surveyed by price comparison website uSwitch.com, 41% said they will not take up the extended leave, with the majority fearful that their employers will not look too kindly on them taking extended leave.
The changes, which come into force from April 3, will allow working fathers to take up to six months paternity leave if their partner returns to work.
However, more than half of those who would not take paternity leave said they could not afford it, suggesting most will carry on as before and likely take holiday when their child is born, claimed uSwicth.com
"The Government may have recognised that fathers today are a lot more hands-on than they may have been in the past, but putting legislation in to support this is only part of the battle,” said Ann Robinson, Director of Consumer Policy at uSwitch.com.
"The Government may have recognised that fathers today are a lot more hands-on than they may have been in the past, but putting legislation in to support this is only part of the battle,” said Ann Robinson, Director of Consumer Policy at uSwitch.com.
“The biggest fight will be to change social opinion, fears and prejudices and this is not going to happen overnight.”
According to Ms Robinson, the biggest reason for men not taking paternity leave in the past, and to not be doing so in the future, is money.
According to Ms Robinson, the biggest reason for men not taking paternity leave in the past, and to not be doing so in the future, is money.
“Unfortunately, the same financial constraints that force new mums back to work before they are ready will also deprive fathers of the option of spending more time with their new baby. Sadly, the financial realities of modern life will prevent many men from being the hands-on fathers they would like to be,” she added.
Unsure about how paternity leave reforms will affect your rights? Contact our employment law solicitors today and make sure your employer is following the new letter of the law.
By employment law solicitor, Phil Richardson
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