A submission by Dr Sara De Benedictis from Brunel University Of London, with Dr Tamsyn Dent and Dr Natalie Wreyford from Kings College London, to the UK Parliament Women and Equalities Commons Select Committee on Equality at work: paternity and shared parental leave examines why paternity leave (PL) and shared parental leave (SPL) have low uptake in the UK. Their research highlights socio-cultural inequalities and workplace policies that hinder accessibility.
Below are the key points summarised of their submission:
The Context of Parental Leave
UK law grants employee's statutory maternity leave (ML), PL, and SPL, but awareness of these rights is limited. ML was introduced in 1975, granting up to 52 weeks of leave, while PL, introduced in 2003, is limited to two weeks. SPL, introduced in 2014, allows parents to share up to 50 weeks, but its complexity and financial limitations deter uptake. Only 1% of mothers and 5% of fathers utilize SPL.
Socio-Cultural Barriers to Leave Uptake
Despite shifting attitudes towards shared parenting, societal norms still position mothers as primary caregivers. Research suggests that SPL reinforces a gendered division of labour, as it requires the mother's consent to transfer leave. Workplace structures also fail to accommodate caregiving responsibilities, particularly in industries like the creative sector, where unpredictable work schedules conflict with leave policies. Economic constraints further limit SPL uptake, as statutory leave pay is often insufficient.
Research Findings in the Creative Sector
The researchers analysed the cultural and creative sector’s approach to care leave policies, finding that companies rarely provide transparent information. While many highlight workplace benefits like diversity and wellbeing, details about ML, PL, and SPL are often absent, reinforcing the undervaluation of care work.
Recommendations
- Policy Review – The financial and structural design of ML, PL, and SPL should be reassessed to improve accessibility and uptake.
- Transparency – Employers should publish clear information about parental leave policies to enable informed decision-making.
- Further Research – More studies are needed to evaluate how industries communicate care leave policies and identify barriers to accessibility.
- A lack of visibility and inadequate financial support contribute to the low uptake of PL and SPL. Addressing these issues is essential for promoting workplace equality and shared caregiving responsibilities.
Read the full submitted written evidence