Businesses urged to do more to promote parental leave to working dads - Aviva

Nearly half (46 per cent) of working fathers are unaware they are entitled to take shared parental leave on the arrival of a child, according to new research.

The survey, conducted by Aviva, also shows that one in 10 dads (11 per cent) took no time off whatsoever when their most recent child arrived. Businesses are therefore being urged to do more to make sure their male staff know their rights, to enable them to spend precious time with their newborn or adopted children.

Crucially, the survey of UK parents with dependent children found that 86 per cent of fathers would have taken more time off at the arrival of their children, but felt restricted by financial factors and employer constraints.

Sarah Morris, chief people officer for Aviva, said that the research suggests many fathers feel: “overlooked and under-supported by their employer.”

Nine out of 10 parents questioned (93 per cent) felt that employers should give both mums and dads equal parental leave when a new child arrives.

But the majority of fathers (56 per cent) took less than a month off work when their most recent child was born or adopted: the time taken by this group was typically 12 days. By comparison, mums took more than a year off work on average.

Ninety-three per cent of dads surveyed said they would have taken longer off work when their child arrived if their employer had allowed it. However, the majority (67%) would have only done so if the leave was paid, compared to 26 per cent who would have taken unpaid time away from work.

Ms Morris added: “Working and looking after children means a constant juggling act and it’s clear that many fathers feel overlooked and under-supported by their employer in this respect. Progress is being made, but our research suggests there’s still a way to go.

“Family-friendly working policies can offer huge benefits to employers and workers alike, whether this means extended parental leave, flexible working, or options for job shares. We hope to see more employers introducing inclusive policies for both men and women, to help working parents strike a balance and get the most out of their lives, inside and outside work.”