Fewer than 1% of eligible parents took Shared Parental Leave in 2016/17, according to figures published by law firm EMW.
Just 8,700 parents took advantage of the statutory benefit that allows both new parents to share up to 50 weeks of leave and 37 weeks of statutory pay.
Jon Taylor, Principal at EMW, commented: ‘Many new parents are unclear how the system will work for their families and careers. Fathers in particular could be concerned about coming across as less committed to their job if they ask for greater flexibility, deterring them from looking into it.’
Other reasons for the lack of take up could include cultural stigma, financial pressures, a lack of awareness about how the system works, and the fact that businesses might be offering family-friendly policies that negate the need for shared leave.
‘Employers must take a proactive approach towards leave for new parents – not only for mothers, but fathers too,’ added Taylor. ‘If an employer is seen as sympathetic to the needs of new parents, they are more likely to enjoy retention of staff.’
