Campaign group The Dad Shift have been placing baby slings on statues around London in a bid to get attention for their push to change the UK’s low level of paternity leave.
Alex Lloyd Hunter of The Dad Shift talked to us about why it matters.
The baby sling campaign
Famous statues around London were adorned with baby slings and dolls last week, gaining media attention and interest.
‘Often men aren’t thought of as fathers, they’re thought of as their jobs first,’ says Alex. ‘They’re not often invited to share that part of their lives and their identity. We wanted to make that point. Behind these guys who are everything from professional footballers to members of the public, there are fathers there too.’
This need for recognition of the importance of dads is the backbone of their campaign to get better paternity leave for fathers. ‘Our paternity leave is the worst in Europe,’ adds Alex. ‘It’s 2 weeks at less than half minimum wage. We need the government to take action and bring in a new statutory paternity policy that is fit for the 21st century.’
Why paternity leave matters
The impact of a lack of paternity leave causes a number of issues, not just for dads but for the entire family. Getting to grips with parenting and the chaos of early days with a baby puts pressure on men. They are then expected back at work in 2 weeks or can’t afford to take paternity leave at all.
‘Your world has been turned upside down, your kid is working out how to feed properly, you’re not sleeping. Most dads don’t feel ready to go back to work at that point,’ says Alex. ‘We’ve heard from dads whose mental health has really plummeted by going back as if nothing has changed.’
Paternity leave is so poorly paid that many men can’t afford to take it. Around a third of men take no time off, and many others struggle on the £185 a week allocated.
At the same time the mother’s mental health can also be damaged by not receiving the support they need in those intense early weeks. Many new mothers need to physically and mentally recover from the birth. Not having a partner to help out and support them increases their stress.
Men who miss out on paternity leave don’t get the opportunity to bond with their baby, or adjust to their new reality. It can affect the wellbeing of everyone in the family- including the kids. ‘There is clear evidence that having both parents actively involved in looking after the child is really good for the child’s development,’ says Alex. ‘There’s also good evidence that it makes for a happier, healthier life for men.’
Campaigning for change: The Dad Shift
Alex drew on his own experience growing up with a father who got no paternity leave and worked long hours as inspiration for his campaigning. ‘As a result we never formed a close bond when I was a kid. We are close now, but I feel like I missed out on that, and so does he. He really regrets that he didn’t get that time. I want a world where every parent gets that experience because it’s a joyful part of being a human being, and I want a world where every child gets to bond with both parents.’
In other countries in Europe dads can receive up to 6 weeks leave, or a large number of days off to share with their partner as they see fit. That time off on leave is often well paid, which takes the pressure off new parents.
To support their campaign, you can sign the open letter to Keir Starmer here.
Dad Shift are planning a hand-in of the letter to the government in coming weeks. ‘The government have committed to reviewing parental leave in their first year of office. We are hoping that they’ll feel empowered to do something bold that will help support families properly,’ says Alex.
