April 14: Back changes for precious time in baby’s life

BARNARDO’S is urging employers to throw their weight behind a new law which allows fathers of new babies to share parental leave with their partners.

Parents of all babies born from April 4 can now split up to 52 weeks of shared parental leave between them as well as up to 39 weeks of statutory shared parental pay. However, the legislation won’t have the desired impact unless businesses give it their full backing.

We believe the new measures will allow low paid working families, where the mother is the higher earner, the opportunity to provide parental support for their child without worrying about losing their jobs. The legislation applies equally for same sex and adoptive couples.

This can only work with a significant shift in social attitudes that addresses the difficulties parents have when considering childcare needs.

The first year of a child’s life is a precious time for the whole family.

The bonds which fathers and mothers form with their babies must be strong enough to last a lifetime. All employers must allow fathers and mothers to spend time with their children without fear of discrimination or blighted career prospects.