Couples still face barriers when it comes to taking shared parental leave (SPL), according to a series of case studies undertaken by Intrinsic Insight for My Family Care. The case studies were carried out in February and March 2017, two years after the introduction of shared parental leave, and conclude that HR practitioners are, in some cases, as uncertain about the policy details as those applying for SPL.
‘Unintentional bureaucracy is a stumbling block where HR departments are grappling with the process of understanding SPL.’
While sharing leave is seen by the research participants as having a profoundly beneficial impact, working fathers did feel there was a big risk to their careers in taking more than two or three months SPL. The case studies reinforce other research suggesting that, ultimately, personal financial circumstances will dictate what is possible for couples when it comes to SPL.
Ben Black, CEO of My Family Care, said:
‘What is worrying was the perception from employees that HR departments were still confused over the legislation which therefore hinders staff uptake of the policy, indicative of a need to hold more training for those at the sharp end of HR, around what it means for their own workforce.’