How can employers support fathers in the workplace? Government inquiry to open.

Interesting to read that the Women and Equalities Committee is now asking whether fathers are being failed in the workplace.

The Committee will take views from individuals and organisations on the following issues and it closes on 1 March.

How well do fathers feel their current working arrangements help them to fulfil their caring responsibilities for children of all ages?
Are there employment-related barriers to fathers sharing caring roles more equally?
Do fathers have the financial support to enable them to fulfil their caring responsibilities?
Are there social or attitudinal barriers to fathers in the workplace that need to be challenged?
Are there changes to the workplace, such as an increase in freelance, agency or casual working, which might have an impact on fathers? Are there challenges for fathers working in particular employment sectors?
What role can the Government, employers and other stakeholders play in overcoming these barriers?
What policy or legislative changes would be most effective in supporting fathers to fulfil their caring responsibilities?
Are there specific issues facing fathers from particular groups or backgrounds, for example because of their income or ethnicity, or fathers of disabled children and young people?
Are there examples (in the UK or internationally) of best practice among employers that could be taken up more widely?

I was not surpised to read about the take up on Share Parental Leave which is between 2 - 8%

How is this supported in your organisation? Please do share.

All the best

Sarah

The HR Forum