Recommendation 14

Shared Parental Leave (SPL) has clear benefits for couples who are able to access it. SPL enables a range of flexible options in how parents share their parental responsibilities and balance these with working life. It is the only aspect of our system that allows fathers and other parents an extended period to care for their babies, strengthening bonds with their children and enhancing family life. The scheme’s flexibility allows mothers to maintain attachment to the labour market and career progression. There is evidence that mothers are increasingly aware of this and taking advantage of the flexibility the scheme allows. However, SPL’s complex set of employment status, time in service and earnings eligibility criteria exclude many working parents and are extremely difficult for most parents and their employers to understand. Take up is consequently too low to have a significant societal or economy-wide impact. (Conclusion, Paragraph 91)