In 2015, the Government introduced Shared Parental Leave (SPL), a promising new alternative to maternity leave that it was hoped would give parents more choice in how they cared for their children.
It is not to be confused with parental leave, the 18 weeks unpaid time off for parents of under-18s. SPL encompasses 50 weeks of leave (37 weeks statutory pay) available for new parents to take or share as an alternative to maternity/adoption leave.
For all its ambition to challenge tired gender responsibilities, the scheme has been a resounding failure. Despite the government’s best efforts to over-state the numbers, just 3.5% of eligible fathers have taken up SPL, against the Government’s official target of 8%.
But when you look at the options, who can blame them? Unfortunately, for all women’s progress in the contemporary workplace, in the majority of families the primary earner is still the father. Too often the crucial difference between SPL and maternity/adoption leave is that the latter comes with the benefit of enhanced pay, whilst statutory pay for SPL languishes at £600 a month.
Many fathers would relish in the opportunity to assist with those magic early months, beyond their two weeks’ statutory paternity leave. However, the reality is that SPL is often financially nonsensical for ordinary families, especially when mothers can take maternity leave with enhanced pay.
In short, companies don’t want their key male employees ‘Missing in Action,’ a sacrifice which is both inconvenient and expensive. This vested interest of employers matters because, with families financially disincentivised to share the load, caring responsibilities will continue to default to mothers.
It perpetuates what is known as the ‘motherhood penalty.’ Women lose out on promotions and higher salaries to their male colleagues because they aren’t able to quickly return to work. With higher take-up of SPL, women could take shorter maternity leave and both parents would retain the choice to return to work flexibly.
Many hoped that the pay disparity between SPL and maternity and adoption pay would be an obvious discrimination case. Instead, we have seen a series of ‘nail in the coffin’ judgements, ruling that shared parental leave is not comparable to maternity/adoption leave, so should not be comparably paid.
There is no statutory requirement for employers to provide enhancement and the government considers that there is no need for employers to do so. The courts agree. The Court of Appeal decided in two cases over recent years that it was not sex discrimination for employers to pay enhanced maternity pay, but only pay SPL at the statutory rate, arguing:
Recent legal judgements, privileging time off for women, are holding back equality in terms of caring responsibilities, but are nevertheless lawful. The decisions supposedly favour women, but seem to value us in rather simplistic reproductive terms. Unchallenged, the Shared Parental Leave disaster continues to fuel a deep-rooted social inequality in which women will continue to experience the motherhood penalty.
Susie Al-Qassab is a Partner and Head of the Employment Team at leading London law firm Hodge Jones & Allen Solicitors. She has over 10 years’ experience and has acted for many senior executives and businesses.
Susie is a regular contributor to Moneybox on Radio 4, demystifying the law and helping to hold rogue employers to account. She is also part of the HJA team providing pro bono advice clinic at Camden Citizens Advice Bureau.
July
10jul17:3023:00Rising Star Awards Ceremony 2025
10/07/2025 17:30 - 23:00(GMT+00:00)
The Londoner Hotel
38 Leicester Square, London, WC2H 7DX
Now in their eleventh year, the Rising Star Awards continue
Now in their eleventh year, the Rising Star Awards continue to be the first to spotlight the achievements of women below the Senior Management or Director level – showcasing the female talent pipeline and the next generation of future leaders.
The awards also recognise the efforts of senior leaders who champion gender equality and put the spotlight on a “company of the year” that actively supports its female talent pipeline above and beyond industry norms.
The team at WeAreTheCity are excited to announce that we will be holding our Rising Star awards celebration for all winners, sponsors and judges on the evening of 10 July at The Londoner, Leicester Square.
Over the course of the evening we will be networking and celebrating the achievements of all of our 2025 winners, whilst enjoying the very best in entertainment from our live singers and strictly stars. An evening not to be missed!
For more information visit: wearethecity-risingstars.com
26julAll DayTessy's Brunches Presents: Engage HER
26/07/2025 All Day(GMT+00:00)
Stanley Stephenson Lounge
Crystal Palace Football Club, Holmesdale Road, London, SE25 6PU
Engage Her – July 26, 2025 Event Summary: Engage Her is a dynamic event focused on fostering meaningful connections and building a supportive
Event Summary: Engage Her is a dynamic event focused on fostering meaningful connections and building a supportive community of women. Through interactive workshops, networking opportunities, and engaging discussions, attendees will have the chance to share experiences, learn from one another, and grow together. This event aims to create a welcoming environment where women can support each other in their personal and professional journeys.
Highlights:
• Engaging workshops and interactive sessions encouraging active participation.
• Networking opportunities to expand personal and professional connections.
• Panel discussions with industry leaders sharing insights and experiences.
• Community-building activities to foster lasting relationships.
Mark your calendars for Engage Her on July 26, 2025, a vibrant event designed to connect and inspire women. Participate in interactive workshops, network with like-minded individuals, and join discussions with industry leaders. Build meaningful relationships and grow within a supportive community. Engage Her is your opportunity to connect, learn, and thrive together. Don’t miss out—register now!
Indulge in a sumptuous spread of delicious treats crafted to tantalize your taste buds.
Tickets are available for £50 and the event is open to all women. Let’s come together and support each other as we navigate the challenges of life. We can’t wait to see you there!
Tessy’s Brunches (www.tessysbrunches) is dedicated to creating a platform where unseen women become visible through networking and mentoring opportunities. Our mission is not only about recognising women but understanding and addressing their unique challenges.
Our aims are rooted in three core principles: Empower, Engage, and Elevate. We seek to empower women by inspiring personal growth and self-discovery. We aim to engage by fostering meaningful connections and building a supportive community. Finally, we strive to elevate by enhancing professional development and personal fulfilment. Through these pillars, we are dedicated to helping women overcome barriers, realize their potential, and achieve both personal and professional success.
#TessysBrunches #WomenPower #CelebrateWomen #InspiringChange #EmpowerHER #EngageHER #ElevateHER