14 July 2008
Nicola Brewer, Chief Executive of the Commission, argues today that we need to explore legislative change to tackle the significant inequality between maternity and paternity leave. The present rights of mothers and fathers appears to support the idea that fathers are 'optional seasoning' in children’s lives while mothers are the main carers. The division between maternity and paternity leave could be entrenching the view that women are the ones who have to pay the career price for motherhood.
In a speech to launch a major consultation – Working Better - into flexible working in partnership with Mumsnet.com and Dad.Info she welcomed present maternity leave rights but said we have to explore ways of allowing more rights for fathers.
She also said that flexible working is the way forward for everyone in the workforce, whether it’s a husband caring for his disabled wife, someone who wants to ease into retirement or a couple looking after an older parent.
‘This debate is about everyone – the six million carers in Britain, parents, those who want to change their hours as they approach retirement. How do we get a smarter balance between work and life, so that both work better?’
Turning to the issue of maternity and paternity leave, she will say: ‘No-one is suggesting that women should not have the rights they have to maternity leave, what we are saying is that dads need a slice of the action too. The present unequal sharing of caring has created generations of “Salt and Pepper dads”. I mean fathers who are seen as good “seasoning” for a family but not essential for parenting.’
Ms. Brewer praises legislation that provides more rights for women at work. ‘Since 1997 the increase in maternity leave has been dramatic and welcome. But in not allowing fathers good rights as well, I think it presents us with an inconvenient truth. Has policy on maternity leave made too many assumptions about the choices families will make and as a result entrenched the stereotype that it is women who do the caring and men who do the earning?
‘Clearly mother and baby need to be together in the early months but what is the justification for the right to leave from 6 months still being seen as an issue in the main for women? At that point couldn’t it become “parental leave”, shared by mums and dads depending on the family circumstances? And the key is, for men, at that stage, shouldn’t it be paid? Shouldn’t dads have the right to the first 12 weeks paternity leave paid at 90% of their salary? Should public spending be reprioritised to focus on giving real choice to every family?’
Ms. Brewer said that we also needed to extend the debate beyond the economic case for better ways of working. ‘Where does well-being and our sense of community and the need for a good family life fit into this debate?’ she said. ‘This is about more than pounds and pence, it is about happiness and satisfaction. What sort of society do we want to be? We talk about the penalty for taking time out of work to raise children and the “cost” of motherhood but are we forgetting about the other side of the coin? What cost are men paying by missing out on raising children?’
You can read the full speech Nicola made here.
The Commission begins its consultation today and will produce a major report in the new year. Uniquely, the Commission is partnering with Mumsnet.com and Dad.Info in an online consultation called Homefront to give families a platform to explain the issues they face balancing work and life.
Families can visit either or both websites, www.mumsnet.com and www.dad.info to participate in the debate.
As well as addressing the needs of parents, the Commission’s consultation into Working Better will range widely, looking at flexible working for everyone. It will take in the views and experiences of employers, policy experts and academics in Britain and internationally and will speak to carers, disabled people, children and older people.
Duncan Fisher of Dad.Info said: ‘We have this idea that mothers and fathers freely choose their roles. They don’t. 80% of mothers earn less than their partners, part-time work is badly paid and only full-time work creates enough security for most families, there is no affordable leave for fathers.
‘All this means it is a lot cheaper for families if dad works all the time and mum does all the caring. This is not what most families want for their children.
If families could afford for dads to take time off for childcare, most would choose this, as in every other country that has acted to change the economics.’
Justine Roberts of Mumsnet.com said: ‘Every day on the Mumsnet.com discussion boards we see how mothers across the country struggle with balancing work and family life and in particular with the difficulty of being a good mum and still being seen as being a good employee.
‘It seems pretty clear to us that until dads start gaining the same rights and demanding the same working flexibility as mums, then women will continue to struggle to be viewed as equals in the workplace.’
More information about our Working Better initiative
ENDS
For more information contact the Equality and Human Rights Commission Media Office on 02031170255, out of hours 07767272818.
NOTES TO EDITORS
The Equality and Human Rights Commission is a statutory body established under the Equality Act 2006, which took over the responsibilities of Commission for Racial Equality, Disability Rights Commission and Equal Opportunities Commission.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission is the independent advocate for equality and human rights in Britain. It aims to reduce inequality, eliminate discrimination, strengthen good relations between people, and promote and protect human rights.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission enforces equality legislation on age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or transgender status, and encourage compliance with the Human Rights Act. It also gives advice and guidance to businesses, the voluntary and public sectors, and to individuals.