Shared Parental leave: Public attitudes - Gov.uk

SHARED PARENTAL LEAVE: PUBLIC ATTITUDES

Commissioned research carried out by Opinion Matters JANUARY 2015

Shared Parental Leave: Public Attitudes

Introduction Opinion Matters were commissioned by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills to carry out research into attitudes to shared parenting. 2,138 adults from across the UK were surveyed between 04 and 11 December 2014 to examine attitudes towards Shared Parenting and assess potential uptake of Shared Parental Leave entitlement. The new regulations on Shared Parental Leave apply to couples with babies due or children matched or placed for adoption on or after 5 April 2015 and will allow parents to choose whether they want to share the mother’s maternity leave.

2


Question One Who currently has the main responsibility for looking after the children in your household on a day to day basis? 49%

21%

16%

12%

1%

1%

0%

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

Me We share the role equally My children are grown up and look after themselves My partner A grandparent or other relative A nanny/nursery Other - please specify

35

40

45

50


Question One Cross Tabulation With Gender Who currently has the main responsibility for looking after the children in your household on a day to day basis?

4


Question One Cross Tabulation With Gender Who currently has the main responsibility for looking after the children in your household on a day to day basis? 23% 31% 18%

Male

25% 1% 1% 1% 63% 16% 15%

Female

4% 1% 0% 0%

0

10

20

30

40

50

Me We share the role equally My children are grown up and look after themselves My partner A grandparent or other relative A nanny/nursery Other - please specify

5

60

70


Question One Cross Tabulation With Age Who currently has the main responsibility for looking after the children in your household on a day to day basis?

6


Question One Cross Tabulation With Age Who currently has the main responsibility for looking after the children in your household on a day to day basis? 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

Me

Age

We share the role equally My children are grown up and look after themselves My partner A grandparent or other relative A nanny/nursery Other - please specify

7


Question One Cross Tabulation With Region Who currently has the main responsibility for looking after the children in your household on a day to day basis?

8


Question One Cross Tabulation With Region Who currently has the main responsibility for looking after the children in your household on a day to day basis? 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

Region Me We share the role equally My children are grown up and look after themselves My partner A grandparent or other relative A nanny/nursery Other - please specify

9


Question One Cross Tabulation With Employment Status Who currently has the main responsibility for looking after the children in your household on a day to day basis?

10


Question One Cross Tabulation With Employment Status Who currently has the main responsibility for looking after the children in your household on a day to day basis? 100 80 60 40 20 0

Employment Status Me We share the role equally My children are grown up and look after themselves My partner A grandparent or other relative A nanny/nursery Other - please specify

11


Question Two Who do you think should have the main responsibility for looking after the children in the household, assuming money isn't an issue?

12


Question Two Who do you think should have the main responsibility for looking after the children in the household, assuming money isn't an issue? 53%

22%

22%

4%

0%

0

20

10

30

40

It should be shared equally The mother Each set of parents should have the right to choose according to their circumstances The father Other - please specify

13

50

60


Question Two Cross Tabulation With Gender Who do you think should have the main responsibility for looking after the children in the household, assuming money isn't an issue?

14


Question Two Cross Tabulation With Gender Who do you think should have the main responsibility for looking after the children in the household, assuming money isn't an issue? 56% 19%

Male

18% 7% 0%

50% 23%

Female

24% 2% 0%

0

10

20

30

40

It should be shared equally The mother Each set of parents should have the right to choose according to their circumstances The father Other - please specify

15

50

60


Question Two Cross Tabulation With Age Who do you think should have the main responsibility for looking after the children in the household, assuming money isn't an issue?

16


Question Two Cross Tabulation With Age Who do you think should have the main responsibility for looking after the children in the household, assuming money isn't an issue? 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

Age It should be shared equally The mother Each set of parents should have the right to choose according to their circumstances The father Other - please specify

17


Question Two Cross Tabulation With Region Who do you think should have the main responsibility for looking after the children in the household, assuming money isn't an issue?

18


Question Two Cross Tabulation With Region Who do you think should have the main responsibility for looking after the children in the household, assuming money isn't an issue? 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

Region It should be shared equally The mother Each set of parents should have the right to choose according to their circumstances The father Other - please specify

19


Question Two Cross Tabulation With Employment Status Who do you think should have the main responsibility for looking after the children in the household, assuming money isn't an issue?

20


Question Two Cross Tabulation With Employment Status Who do you think should have the main responsibility for looking after the children in the household, assuming money isn't an issue? 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

Employment Status It should be shared equally The mother Each set of parents should have the right to choose according to their circumstances The father Other - please specify

21


Question Three Why do you think mothers should have the main responsibility for looking after a baby?

22


Question Three Why do you think mothers should have the main responsibility for looking after a baby? 69%

33%

32%

21%

8%

2%

0

10

20

30

40

50

Mothers make more natural parents It's traditional for mothers to be the main carer Mothers should be at home to breast-feed a baby Mothers make better carers than fathers It's not fair to ask dads to stay at home with a baby when society is set up more for mums Other [please state]

23

60

70


Question Three Cross Tabulation With Gender Why do you think mothers should have the main responsibility for looking after a baby?

24


Question Three Cross Tabulation With Gender Why do you think mothers should have the main responsibility for looking after a baby? 73% 30% 29%

Male

26% 7% 1% 67% 34% 33%

Female

19% 9% 2%

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Mothers make more natural parents It's traditional for mothers to be the main carer Mothers should be at home to breast-feed a baby Mothers make better carers than fathers It's not fair to ask dads to stay at home with a baby when society is set up more for mums Other [please state]

25

70

80


Question Three Cross Tabulation With Age Why do you think mothers should have the main responsibility for looking after a baby?

26


Question Three Cross Tabulation With Age Why do you think mothers should have the main responsibility for looking after a baby? 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

Age Mothers make more natural parents It's traditional for mothers to be the main carer Mothers should be at home to breast-feed a baby Mothers make better carers than fathers It's not fair to ask dads to stay at home with a baby when society is set up more for mums Other [please state]

27


Question Three Cross Tabulation With Region Why do you think mothers should have the main responsibility for looking after a baby?

28


Question Three Cross Tabulation With Region Why do you think mothers should have the main responsibility for looking after a baby? 100 80 60 40 20 0

Region Mothers make more natural parents It's traditional for mothers to be the main carer Mothers should be at home to breast-feed a baby Mothers make better carers than fathers It's not fair to ask dads to stay at home with a baby when society is set up more for mums Other [please state]

29


Question Three Cross Tabulation With Employment Status Why do you think mothers should have the main responsibility for looking after a baby?

30


Question Three Cross Tabulation With Employment Status Why do you think mothers should have the main responsibility for looking after a baby? 80 60 40 20 0

Employment Status Mothers make more natural parents It's traditional for mothers to be the main carer Mothers should be at home to breast-feed a baby Mothers make better carers than fathers It's not fair to ask dads to stay at home with a baby when society is set up more for mums Other [please state]

31


Question Four Why do you think fathers should have the main responsibility for looking after a baby?

32


Question Four Why do you think fathers should have the main responsibility for looking after a baby? 43%

40%

31%

3%

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

Mothers should have the opportunity to go back to work

It's important for fathers to bond with their children

It's not fair to ask mums to stay at home with a baby regardless of their personal circumstances

Fathers make more natural parents

33

40

45


Question Four Cross Tabulation With Gender Why do you think fathers should have the main responsibility for looking after a baby?

34


Question Four Cross Tabulation With Gender Why do you think fathers should have the main responsibility for looking after a baby? 37%

41%

Male 37%

4%

57%

39%

Female 17%

0%

0

10

20

30

40

50

Mothers should have the opportunity to go back to work It's important for fathers to bond with their children It's not fair to ask mums to stay at home with a baby regardless of their personal circumstances Fathers make more natural parents

35

60


Question Four Cross Tabulation With Age Why do you think fathers should have the main responsibility for looking after a baby?

36


Question Four Cross Tabulation With Age Why do you think fathers should have the main responsibility for looking after a baby? 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

Age Mothers should have the opportunity to go back to work It's important for fathers to bond with their children It's not fair to ask mums to stay at home with a baby regardless of their personal circumstances Fathers make more natural parents

37


Question Four Cross Tabulation With Region Why do you think fathers should have the main responsibility for looking after a baby?

38


Question Four Cross Tabulation With Region Why do you think fathers should have the main responsibility for looking after a baby? 100 80 60 40 20 0

Region Mothers should have the opportunity to go back to work

It's important for fathers to bond with their children

It's not fair to ask mums to stay at home with a baby regardless of their personal circumstances

Fathers make more natural parents

39


Question Four Cross Tabulation With Employment Status Why do you think fathers should have the main responsibility for looking after a baby?

40


Question Four Cross Tabulation With Employment Status Why do you think fathers should have the main responsibility for looking after a baby? 100 80 60 40 20 0

Employment Status Mothers should have the opportunity to go back to work It's important for fathers to bond with their children It's not fair to ask mums to stay at home with a baby regardless of their personal circumstances Fathers make more natural parents

41


Question Five Shared Parental Leave is coming into law from 5 April 2015. It means that parents can share 50 weeks of parental leave between them, rather than it having to be taken as maternity leave. Are you aware of these changes?

42


Question Five Shared Parental Leave is coming into law from 5 April 2015. It means that parents can share 50 weeks of parental leave between them, rather than it having to be taken as maternity leave. Are you aware of these changes? 34%

30%

23%

14%

0

5

10

15

20

25

Yes, and I fully understand the changes Yes, I partially understand the changes No Not sure - I have heard about these changes in passing, but have very little understanding of them

43

30

35


Question Five Cross Tabulation With Gender Shared Parental Leave is coming into law from 5 April 2015. It means that parents can share 50 weeks of parental leave between them, rather than it having to be taken as maternity leave. Are you aware of these changes?

44


Question Five Cross Tabulation With Gender Shared Parental Leave is coming into law from 5 April 2015. It means that parents can share 50 weeks of parental leave between them, rather than it having to be taken as maternity leave. Are you aware of these changes? 35%

30%

Male 24%

12%

33%

30%

Female 22%

15%

0

5

10

15

20

25


45

30

35


Question Five Cross Tabulation With Age Shared Parental Leave is coming into law from 5 April 2015. It means that parents can share 50 weeks of parental leave between them, rather than it having to be taken as maternity leave. Are you aware of these changes?

46


Question Five Cross Tabulation With Age Shared Parental Leave is coming into law from 5 April 2015. It means that parents can share 50 weeks of parental leave between them, rather than it having to be taken as maternity leave. Are you aware of these changes? 50 40 30 20 10 0

Age Yes, and I fully understand the changes Yes, I partially understand the changes No Not sure - I have heard about these changes in passing, but have very little understanding of them

47


Question Five Cross Tabulation With Region Shared Parental Leave is coming into law from 5 April 2015. It means that parents can share 50 weeks of parental leave between them, rather than it having to be taken as maternity leave. Are you aware of these changes?

48


Question Five Cross Tabulation With Region Shared Parental Leave is coming into law from 5 April 2015. It means that parents can share 50 weeks of parental leave between them, rather than it having to be taken as maternity leave. Are you aware of these changes? 50 40 30 20 10 0

Region Yes, and I fully understand the changes Yes, I partially understand the changes No Not sure - I have heard about these changes in passing, but have very little understanding of them

49


Question Five Cross Tabulation With Employment Status Shared Parental Leave is coming into law from 5 April 2015. It means that parents can share 50 weeks of parental leave between them, rather than it having to be taken as maternity leave. Are you aware of these changes?

50


Question Five Cross Tabulation With Employment Status Shared Parental Leave is coming into law from 5 April 2015. It means that parents can share 50 weeks of parental leave between them, rather than it having to be taken as maternity leave. Are you aware of these changes? 50 40 30 20 10 0

Employment Status


51


Question Six If Shared Parental Leave had been available when you had children, would you have considered it?

52


Question Six If Shared Parental Leave had been available when you had children, would you have considered it?

67%

33%

0

10

20

30

40

50

Yes

No

53

60

70


Question Six Cross Tabulation With Gender If Shared Parental Leave had been available when you had children, would you have considered it?

54


Question Six Cross Tabulation With Gender If Shared Parental Leave had been available when you had children, would you have considered it? 75%

Male 25%

63%

Female 37%

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Yes

No

55

70

80


Question Six Cross Tabulation With Age If Shared Parental Leave had been available when you had children, would you have considered it?

56


Question Six Cross Tabulation With Age If Shared Parental Leave had been available when you had children, would you have considered it? 100 80 60 40 20 0

Age

Yes

No

57


Question Six Cross Tabulation With Region If Shared Parental Leave had been available when you had children, would you have considered it?

58


Question Six Cross Tabulation With Region If Shared Parental Leave had been available when you had children, would you have considered it? 100 80 60 40 20 0

Region Yes

No

59


Question Six Cross Tabulation With Employment Status If Shared Parental Leave had been available when you had children, would you have considered it?

60


Question Six Cross Tabulation With Employment Status If Shared Parental Leave had been available when you had children, would you have considered it? 80 60 40 20 0

Employment Status

Yes

No

61


Question Seven Do you think you'd consider sharing parental leave with your partner if you had a child in the future?

62


Question Seven Do you think you'd consider sharing parental leave with your partner if you had a child in the future? 39%

44%

13%

4%

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

Yes, definitely Yes, possibly Probably not Definitely not

63

35

40

45


Question Seven Cross Tabulation With Gender Do you think you'd consider sharing parental leave with your partner if you had a child in the future?

64


Question Seven Cross Tabulation With Gender Do you think you'd consider sharing parental leave with your partner if you had a child in the future? 41%

45%

Male 10%

4%

37%

44%

Female 15%

4%

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

Yes, definitely Yes, possibly Probably not Definitely not

65

40

45

50


Question Seven Cross Tabulation With Age Do you think you'd consider sharing parental leave with your partner if you had a child in the future?

66


Question Seven Cross Tabulation With Age Do you think you'd consider sharing parental leave with your partner if you had a child in the future? 50 40 30 20 10 0

Age Yes, definitely Yes, possibly Probably not Definitely not

67


Question Seven Cross Tabulation With Region Do you think you'd consider sharing parental leave with your partner if you had a child in the future?

68


Question Seven Cross Tabulation With Region Do you think you'd consider sharing parental leave with your partner if you had a child in the future? 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

Region Yes, definitely Yes, possibly Probably not Definitely not

69


Question Seven Cross Tabulation With Employment Status Do you think you'd consider sharing parental leave with your partner if you had a child in the future?

70


Question Seven Cross Tabulation With Employment Status Do you think you'd consider sharing parental leave with your partner if you had a child in the future? 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

Employment Status Yes, definitely

Yes, possibly

Probably not

Definitely not

71


Question Eight If you were to consider taking shared parental leave, what do you think the main benefits would be? – Asked to males only

72


Question Eight If you were to consider taking shared parental leave, what do you think the main benefits would be? – Asked to males only 60%

44%

39%

18%

11%

9%

1%

0

10

20

30

40

50

Forming a closer bond with my child It would feel fairer to share the care responsibilities Letting my partner get back to her/his job sooner and progress her/his career Giving me a break from my career I do not think there would be any benefits Being more financially secure as my partner earns more than me Other - please specify

73

60

70


Question Eight Cross Tabulation With Age If you were to consider taking shared parental leave, what do you think the main benefits would be? – Asked to males only

74


Question Eight Cross Tabulation With Age If you were to consider taking shared parental leave, what do you think the main benefits would be? – Asked to males only 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

Age Forming a closer bond with my child It would feel fairer to share the care responsibilities Letting my partner get back to her/his job sooner and progress her/his career Giving me a break from my career I do not think there would be any benefits Being more financially secure as my partner earns more than me Other - please specify

75


Question Eight Cross Tabulation With Region If you were to consider taking shared parental leave, what do you think the main benefits would be? – Asked to males only 80 60 40 20 0

Region Forming a closer bond with my child It would feel fairer to share the care responsibilities Letting my partner get back to her/his job sooner and progress her/his career Giving me a break from my career I do not think there would be any benefits Being more financially secure as my partner earns more than me Other - please specify

76


Question Eight Cross Tabulation With Employment Status If you were to consider taking shared parental leave, what do you think the main benefits would be? – Asked to males only

77


Question Eight Cross Tabulation With Employment Status If you were to consider taking shared parental leave, what do you think the main benefits would be? – Asked to males only 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

Employment Status Forming a closer bond with my child It would feel fairer to share the care responsibilities Letting my partner get back to her/his job sooner and progress her/his career Giving me a break from my career I do not think there would be any benefits Being more financially secure as my partner earns more than me Other - please specify

78


Question Nine If you were to consider taking shared parental leave to look after your child, which of the following statements would you agree with? Asked to males only

79


Question Nine If you were to consider taking shared parental leave to look after your child, which of the following statements would you agree with? Asked to males only 57% 40% 35% 31% 29% 22% 18% 17% 11% 11% 10% 8% 6% 6% 3% 2% 2%

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Being more involved in the baby's life would be a good thing for the whole family

My friends would respect me

I would build a stronger relationship with my child

My employer wouldn't understand

It's important to me to be a good parent

It would be bad for my career

It would strengthen my relationship with my partner

It wouldn't make financial sense

I would like to support my partner in his/her career

I wouldn't do as good a job looking after the baby as my partner would

It would make financial sense to share parental leave

Looking after a baby isn't a man's job

My employer would probably be open to it

My friends would laugh at me

It would be an opportunity for a career break

My friends would think it was wrong and that my partner should stay at home

None of the above

80


Question Nine Cross Tabulation With Age If you were to consider taking shared parental leave to look after your child, which of the following statements would you agree with? Asked to males only

81


Question Nine Cross Tabulation With Age If you were to consider taking shared parental leave to look after your child, which of the following statements would you agree with? Asked to males only 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

Age Being more involved in the baby's life would be a good thing for the whole family

My friends would respect me

I would build a stronger relationship with my child

My employer wouldn't understand

It's important to me to be a good parent

It would be bad for my career



I would like to support my partner in his/her career

I wouldn't do as good a job looking after the baby as my partner would



My employer would probably be open to it

My friends would laugh at me

It would be an opportunity for a career break

My friends would think it was wrong and that my partner should stay at home

None of the above

82


Question Nine Cross Tabulation With Region If you were to consider taking shared parental leave to look after your child, which of the following statements would you agree with? Please see Excel spreadsheet. Asked to males only Q9. If you were to consider taking shared parental leave to look after your child, which of the following statements would you agree with? Asked to males only Base

Region East

Base Q9

793 Being more involved in the baby's life would be a good thing for the whole family I would build a stronger relationship with my child It's important to me to be a good parent It would strengthen my relationship with my partner I would like to support my partner in his/her career It would make financial sense to share parental leave My employer would probably be open to it It would be an opportunity for a career break None of the above My friends would respect me My employer wouldn't understand It would be bad for my career It wouldn't make financial sense I wouldn't do as good a job looking after the baby as my partner would Looking after a baby isn't a man's job My friends would laugh at me My friends would think it was wrong and that my partner should stay at home

452 57.00% 316 39.80% 278 35.10% 247 31.10% 232 29.30% 177 22.30% 145 18.30% 134 16.90% 89 11.20% 85 10.70% 78 9.80% 65 8.20% 48 6.10% 45 5.70% 22 2.80% 13 1.60% 13 1.60%

North North Northern South South West Ireland Scotland East West London Midlands East Wales Yorkshire 68 124 102 34 95 27 63 90 86 37 67

41 60.30% 32 47.10% 24 35.30% 26 38.20% 20 29.40% 15 22.10% 12 17.60% 12 17.60% 5 7.40% 7 10.30% 8 11.80% 5 7.40% 4 5.90% 3 4.40% -

69 55.60% 36 29.00% 30 24.20% 32 25.80% 26 21.00% 28 22.60% 35 28.20% 23 18.50% 10 8.10% 22 17.70% 11 8.90% 11 8.90% 4 3.20% 4 3.20% 6 4.80% 3 2.40% 1 0.80%

59 57.80% 38 37.30% 39 38.20% 28 27.50% 36 35.30% 22 21.60% 18 17.60% 14 13.70% 12 11.80% 8 7.80% 9 8.80% 8 7.80% 6 5.90% 3 2.90% 3 2.90% 32.90% 1 1.00%

16 47.10% 8 23.50% 7 20.60% 6 17.60% 7 20.60% 10 29.40% 7 20.60% 4 11.80% 4 11.80% 4 11.80% 3 8.80% 2 5.90% 1 2.90% 4 11.80% 25.90% -

1 2.90%

55 57.90% 39 41.10% 36 37.90% 32 33.70% 26 27.40% 16 16.80% 15 15.80% 22 23.20% 14 14.70% 7 7.40% 7 7.40% 6 6.30% 4 4.20% 55.30% -

3 3.20% 2 2.10%

14 51.90% 11 40.70% 10 37.00% 8 29.60% 7 25.90% 5 18.50% 4 14.80% 2 7.40% 3 11.10% 1 3.70% 2 7.40% 4 14.80% 5 18.50%

1 3.70% 1 3.70% 1 3.70%

34 54.00% 23 36.50% 24 38.10% 22 34.90% 16 25.40% 11 17.50% 8 12.70% 8 12.70% 9 14.30% 5 7.90% 6 9.50% 3 4.80% 5 7.90% 3 4.80% -

46 51.10% 36 40.00% 30 33.30% 30 33.30% 27 30.00% 18 20.00% 15 16.70% 14 15.60% 17 18.90% 13 14.40% 8 8.90% 6 6.70% 8 8.90% 9 10.00% 5 5.60% -

1 1.60%

3 3.30%

83

50 58.10% 37 43.00% 32 37.20% 30 34.90% 32 37.20% 26 30.20% 12 14.00% 14 16.30% 7 8.10% 7 8.10% 14 16.30% 9 10.50% 4 4.70% 7 8.10% 1 1.20% 22.30% 1 1.20%

22 59.50% 18 48.60% 18 48.60% 10 27.00% 13 35.10% 8 21.60% 7 18.90% 5 13.50% 4 10.80% 4 10.80% 3 8.10% 5 13.50% 4 10.80% 5 13.50% 2 5.40%

25.40% -

46 68.70% 38 56.70% 28 41.80% 23 34.30% 22 32.80% 18 26.90% 12 17.90% 16 23.90% 4 6.00% 7 10.40% 7 10.40% 6 9.00% 3 4.50% 2 3.00% 2 3.00% 1 1.50%


Question Nine Cross Tabulation With Region If you were to consider taking shared parental leave to look after your child, which of the following statements would you agree with? Please see Excel spreadsheet. Asked to males only Q9. If you were to consider taking shared parental leave to look after your child, which of the following statements would you agree with? Asked to males only Base

Work full time in a permanent job 793 442

Base Q9

Employment Status

Being more involved in the baby's life would be a good thing for the whole family I would build a stronger relationship with my child It's important to me to be a good parent It would strengthen my relationship with my partner I would like to support my partner in his/her career It would make financial sense to share parental leave My employer would probably be open to it It would be an opportunity for a career break None of the above My friends would respect me My employer wouldn't understand It would be bad for my career It wouldn't make financial sense I wouldn't do as good a job looking after the baby as my partner would Looking after a baby isn't a man's job My friends would laugh at me My friends would think it was wrong and that my partner should stay at home

452 57.00% 316 39.80% 278 35.10% 247 31.10% 232 29.30% 177 22.30% 145 18.30% 134 16.90% 89 11.20% 85 10.70% 78 9.80% 65 8.20% 48 6.10% 45 5.70% 22 2.80% 13 1.60% 13 1.60%

271 61.30% 182 41.20% 157 35.50% 134 30.30% 131 29.60% 100 22.60% 105 23.80% 81 18.30% 38 8.60% 51 11.50% 46 10.40% 35 7.90% 31 7.00% 17 3.80% 12 2.70% 8 1.80% 4 0.90%

Work part time in a permanent job 82

Contractor / freelancer / on a temporary contract 37

Currently on maternity / paternity leave 13

44 53.70% 29 35.40% 31 37.80% 30 36.60% 23 28.00% 20 24.40% 20 24.40% 15 18.30% 9 11.00% 10 12.20% 9 11.00% 9 11.00% 4 4.90% 3 3.70% 2 2.40% 1 1.20% 1 1.20%

18 48.60% 20 54.10% 17 45.90% 15 40.50% 14 37.80% 11 29.70% 2 5.40% 9 24.30% 5 13.50% 4 10.80%

2 15.40%

1 2.70% 1 2.70% 1 2.70% 1 2.70% -

Currently on a career Currently break unemployed Retired Other 12 92 65 50 5 41.70% 4 33.30% 4 33.30% 5 41.70% 5 41.70% 3 25.00% 3 25.00% 1 8.30%

1 7.70% 4 30.80% 3 23.10% 3 23.10% 1 7.70% -

3 23.10%

-

1 8.30% 1 8.30% 2 16.70% 1 8.30% 1 8.30% 1 8.30% 1 8.30%

60 65.20% 35 38.00% 32 34.80% 25 27.20% 26 28.30% 19 20.70% 5 5.40% 13 14.10% 12 13.00% 11 12.00% 9 9.80% 6 6.50% 1 1.10% 5 5.40% 1 1.10% 2 2.20% 5 5.40%

84

25 38.50% 28 43.10% 21 32.30% 21 32.30% 16 24.60% 12 18.50% 5 7.70% 8 12.30% 12 18.50% 3 4.60% 10 15.40% 10 15.40% 8 12.30% 14 21.50% 4 6.20% 1 1.50% 23.10% -

27 54.00% 18 36.00% 16 32.00% 16 32.00% 13 26.00% 9 18.00% 2 4.00% 6 12.00% 13 26.00% 2 4.00% 3 6.00% 2 4.00% 2 4.00% 4 8.00% 1 2.00% 1 2.00%


Question Ten If you were to consider sharing parental leave with your partner, which of the following statements would you agree with? Asked to females only

85


Question Ten If you were to consider sharing parental leave with your partner, which of the following statements would you agree with? Asked to females only 62% 44% 31% 29% 26% 19% 16% 13% 13% 11% 10% 9% 8% 7% 4% 3% 2%

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

Being more involved in the baby's life would be a good thing for the whole family

My partner's friends would respect him/her for it

My partner would build a stronger relationship with our child


It's important to my partner to be a good parent

My partner's employer wouldn't understand


My partner wouldn't do as good a job looking after the baby as I would


It would be bad for my partner's career

It would be good for my career


My partner would see it as an opportunity for a career break

My friends would think it was wrong and that I should stay at home

None of the above

My partner's friends would laugh at him/her

My partner's employer would probably be open to it

86


Question Ten Cross Tabulation With Age If you were to consider sharing parental leave with your partner, which of the following statements would you agree with? Asked to females only

87


Question Ten Cross Tabulation With Age If you were to consider sharing parental leave with your partner, which of the following statements would you agree with? Asked to females only 80 60 40 20 11%

0

3%

7%

9%

10%

Age Being more involved in the baby's life would be a good thing for the whole family

My partner's friends would respect him/her for it

My partner would build a stronger relationship with our child


It's important to my partner to be a good parent

My partner's employer wouldn't understand


My partner wouldn't do as good a job looking after the baby as I would


It would be bad for my partner's career

It would be good for my career


My partner would see it as an opportunity for a career break

My friends would think it was wrong and that I should stay at home

None of the above

My partner's friends would laugh at him/her

My partner's employer would probably be open to it

88


Question Ten Cross Tabulation With Region If you were to consider sharing parental leave with your partner, which of the following statements would you agree with? Please see Excel spreadsheet. Asked to females only Q10. If you were to consider sharing parental leave with your partner, which of the following statements would you agree with? Asked to females only Base

Region East

Base Q10

1345 Being more involved in the baby's life would be a good thing for the whole family My partner would build a stronger relationship with our child It's important to my partner to be a good parent It would strengthen my relationship with my partner It would make financial sense to share parental leave It would be good for my career My partner would see it as an opportunity for a career break None of the above My partner's employer would probably be open to it My partner's friends would respect him/her for it It wouldn't make financial sense My partner's employer wouldn't understand My partner wouldn't do as good a job looking after the baby as I would It would be bad for my partner's career Looking after a baby isn't a man's job My friends would think it was wrong and that I should stay at home My partner's friends would laugh at him/her

837 62.20% 597 44.40% 420 31.20% 387 28.80% 352 26.20% 250 18.60% 217 16.10% 178 13.20% 168 12.50% 149 11.10% 128 9.50% 121 9.00% 104 7.70% 90 6.70% 49 3.60% 36 2.70% 30 2.20%

North North Northern South South West Ireland West London Midlands East Scotland East Wales Yorkshire 115 192 242 66 154 24 92 162 103 73 122

77 67.00% 44 38.30% 36 31.30% 29 25.20% 25 21.70% 17 14.80% 21 18.30% 13 11.30% 16 13.90% 14 12.20% 16 13.90% 11 9.60% 9 7.80% 10 8.70% 4 3.50% 2 1.70% 3 2.60%

131 68.20% 77 40.10% 55 28.60% 54 28.10% 53 27.60% 38 19.80% 31 16.10% 16 8.30% 37 19.30% 28 14.60% 14 7.30% 16 8.30% 9 4.70% 9 4.70% 3 1.60% 4 2.10% 4 2.10%

156 64.50% 102 42.10% 81 33.50% 74 30.60% 58 24.00% 43 17.80% 37 15.30% 27 11.20% 31 12.80% 25 10.30% 26 10.70% 28 11.60% 21 8.70% 24 9.90% 11 4.50% 10 4.10% 93.70% -

41 62.10% 34 51.50% 19 28.80% 20 30.30% 16 24.20% 14 21.20% 10 15.20% 13 19.70% 5 7.60% 9 13.60% 4 6.10% 6 9.10% 8 12.10% 3 4.50% 1 1.50% 2 3.00%

82 53.20% 65 42.20% 45 29.20% 41 26.60% 44 28.60% 26 16.90% 26 16.90% 23 14.90% 10 6.50% 14 9.10% 16 10.40% 13 8.40% 15 9.70% 74.50% 10 6.50% 3 1.90% 1 0.60%

17 70.80% 15 62.50% 9 37.50% 9 37.50% 9 37.50% 6 25.00% 6 25.00% 1 4.20% 5 20.80% 4 16.70% 2 8.30% 4 16.70% 2 8.30%

2 8.30% 1 4.20% 1 4.20%

60 65.20% 48 52.20% 35 38.00% 31 33.70% 26 28.30% 15 16.30% 15 16.30% 11 12.00% 12 13.00% 10 10.90% 9 9.80% 7 7.60% 4 4.30% 2 2.20% 1 1.10% 1 1.10% 3 3.30%

101 62.30% 77 47.50% 47 29.00% 49 30.20% 48 29.60% 28 17.30% 26 16.00% 27 16.70% 18 11.10% 14 8.60% 12 7.40% 13 8.00% 16 9.90% 15 9.30% 7 4.30% 6 3.70% 4 2.50%

89

57 55.30% 43 41.70% 28 27.20% 23 22.30% 16 15.50% 17 16.50% 10 9.70% 21 20.40% 9 8.70% 13 12.60% 16 15.50% 8 7.80% 6 5.80% 9 8.70% 5 4.90% 1 1.00% 32.90% -

41 56.20% 39 53.40% 28 38.40% 18 24.70% 21 28.80% 17 23.30% 12 16.40% 8 11.00% 8 11.00% 3 4.10% 7 9.60% 6 8.20% 4 5.50% 3 4.10% 2 2.70% 3 4.10%

74 60.70% 53 43.40% 37 30.30% 39 32.00% 36 29.50% 29 23.80% 23 18.90% 18 14.80% 17 13.90% 15 12.30% 6 4.90% 9 7.40% 10 8.20% 8 6.60% 3 2.50% 3 2.50% 2 1.60%


Question Ten Cross Tabulation With Employment Status If you were to consider sharing parental leave with your partner, which of the following statements would you agree with? Please see Excel spreadsheet. Asked to females only Q10. If you were to consider sharing parental leave with your partner, which of the following statements would you agree with? Asked to females only Base

Work full time in a permanent job 1345 451

Base Q10

Employment Status

Being more involved in the baby's life would be a good thing for the whole family My partner would build a stronger relationship with our child It's important to my partner to be a good parent It would strengthen my relationship with my partner It would make financial sense to share parental leave It would be good for my career My partner would see it as an opportunity for a career break None of the above My partner's employer would probably be open to it My partner's friends would respect him/her for it It wouldn't make financial sense My partner's employer wouldn't understand My partner wouldn't do as good a job looking after the baby as I would It would be bad for my partner's career Looking after a baby isn't a man's job My friends would think it was wrong and that I should stay at home My partner's friends would laugh at him/her

837 62.20% 597 44.40% 420 31.20% 387 28.80% 352 26.20% 250 18.60% 217 16.10% 178 13.20% 168 12.50% 149 11.10% 128 9.50% 121 9.00% 104 7.70% 90 6.70% 49 3.60% 36 2.70% 30 2.20%

274 60.80% 184 40.80% 111 24.60% 123 27.30% 126 27.90% 91 20.20% 69 15.30% 55 12.20% 80 17.70% 44 9.80% 37 8.20% 44 9.80% 29 6.40% 23 5.10% 11 2.40% 10 2.20% 9 2.00%

Work part time in a permanent job 312 202 64.70% 137 43.90% 110 35.30% 86 27.60% 76 24.40% 58 18.60% 51 16.30% 31 9.90% 39 12.50% 36 11.50% 35 11.20% 24 7.70% 29 9.30% 22 7.10% 11 3.50% 11 3.50% 8 2.60%

Contractor / freelancer / on a temporary contract 62

Currently on maternity / paternity leave 34

35 56.50% 33 53.20% 21 33.90% 16 25.80% 21 33.90% 14 22.60% 10 16.10% 69.70% 9 14.50% 8 12.90% 3 4.80% 4 6.50% 5 8.10% 3 4.80% 4 6.50% 1 1.60% 2 3.20%

26 76.50% 19 55.90% 14 41.20% 17 50.00% 13 38.20% 14 41.20% 12 35.30%

9 26.50% 7 20.60% 3 8.80% 3 8.80% 3 8.80% 2 5.90% 1 2.90% 2 5.90% 1 2.90%

Currently on a career Currently break unemployed Retired Other 51 245 51 139 35 68.60% 30 58.80% 25 49.00% 17 33.30% 17 33.30% 13 25.50% 13 25.50% 3 5.90% 4 7.80% 5 9.80% 10 19.60% 9 17.60% 8 15.70% 9 17.60% 5 9.80% 2 3.90% 3 5.90%

156 63.70% 111 45.30% 80 32.70% 78 31.80% 52 21.20% 36 14.70% 38 15.50% 42 17.10% 16 6.50% 29 11.80% 16 6.50% 18 7.30% 12 4.90% 14 5.70% 6 2.40% 6 2.40% 4 1.60%

90

19 37.30% 13 25.50% 9 17.60% 10 19.60% 6 11.80% 3 5.90% 4 7.80% 20 39.20% 1 2.00% 1 2.00% 9 17.60% 5 9.80% 4 7.80% 4 7.80% 2 3.90% -

90 64.70% 70 50.40% 50 36.00% 40 28.80% 41 29.50% 21 15.10% 20 14.40% 21 15.10% 10 7.20% 19 13.70% 15 10.80% 14 10.10% 14 10.10% 13 9.40% 9 6.50% 4 2.90% 3 2.20%


Question Eleven How much time do you think it's acceptable for women to take off work after having a baby?

91


Question Eleven How much time do you think it's acceptable for women to take off work after having a baby? 2%

28%

22%

22%

2%

24%

0

5

10

15

20

Less than 3 months - please specify in weeks 3 months, up to 6 months Over 6 months, up to 9 months Over 9 months, up to 12 months Over a year - please specify in months No limit, as long as they like

92

25

30


Question Eleven Cross Tabulation With Gender How much time do you think it's acceptable for women to take off work after having a baby?

93


Question Eleven Cross Tabulation With Gender How much time do you think it's acceptable for women to take off work after having a baby? 2% 37% 23%

Male

16% 2% 19% 1% 23% 21%

Female

26% 2% 27%

0

5

10

15

20

25


94

30

35

40


Question Eleven Cross Tabulation With Age How much time do you think it's acceptable for women to take off work after having a baby?

95


Question Eleven Cross Tabulation With Age How much time do you think it's acceptable for women to take off work after having a baby? 50 40 30 20 10 0

Age Less than 3 months - please specify in weeks 3 months, up to 6 months Over 6 months, up to 9 months Over 9 months, up to 12 months Over a year - please specify in months No limit, as long as they like

96


Question Eleven Cross Tabulation With Region How much time do you think it's acceptable for women to take off work after having a baby?

97


Question Eleven Cross Tabulation With Region How much time do you think it's acceptable for women to take off work after having a baby? 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0

Region


98


Question Eleven Cross Tabulation With Employment Status How much time do you think it's acceptable for women to take off work after having a baby?

99


Question Eleven Cross Tabulation With Employment Status How much time do you think it's acceptable for women to take off work after having a baby? 50 40 30 20 10 0

Employment Status Less than 3 months - please specify in weeks 3 months, up to 6 months Over 6 months, up to 9 months Over 9 months, up to 12 months Over a year - please specify in months No limit, as long as they like

100


Question Twelve If you took shared parental leave to look after a baby, what would your main concerns be? – Asked to males only

101


Question Twelve If you took shared parental leave to look after a baby, what would your main concerns be? – Asked to males only 38% 32% 24% 17% 14% 10% 9% 9% 9% 7% 7% 7% 4% 1%

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

I would be financially worse off

It would negatively affect my social life

It would affect my career

The baby would not respond to me as well as to its mum

I wouldn't have any concerns

I would get bored

It would be difficult to get back into work

I would lose some of my identity

I'd lose financial independence

I would be the first dad in my company or department to take it

I would not be any good at it

It would negatively affect my relationship with my partner

I would not fit in to 'mum and baby' groups

Other - please specify

102

40


Question Twelve Cross Tabulation With Age If you took shared parental leave to look after a baby, what would your main concerns be? – Asked to males only

103


Question Twelve Cross Tabulation With Age If you took shared parental leave to look after a baby, what would your main concerns be? – Asked to males only 50 40 30 20 10 0

Age I would be financially worse off





I would get bored









104


Question Twelve Cross Tabulation With Region If you took shared parental leave to look after a baby, what would your main concerns be? – Asked to males only

105


Question Twelve Cross Tabulation With Region If you took shared parental leave to look after a baby, what would your main concerns be? – Asked to males only 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

Region I would be financially worse off





I would get bored









106


Question Twelve Cross Tabulation With Employment Status If you took shared parental leave to look after a baby, what would your main concerns be? – Asked to males only

107


Question Twelve Cross Tabulation With Employment Status If you took shared parental leave to look after a baby, what would your main concerns be? – Asked to males only 50 40 30 20 10 0

Employment Status I would be financially worse off





I would get bored









108


Question Thirteen What were your main concerns about going on maternity leave before you took it? – Asked to females only

109


Question Thirteen What were your main concerns about going on maternity leave before you took it? – Asked to females only 48% 25% 23% 21% 14% 13% 12% 10% 10% 6% 3% 1%

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

I would be financially worse off

I didn't work before giving birth


I would get bored





I didn't have any concerns



Other (please specify)

110

50


Question Thirteen Cross Tabulation With Age What were your main concerns about going on maternity leave before you took it? – Asked to females only

111


Question Thirteen Cross Tabulation With Age What were your main concerns about going on maternity leave before you took it? – Asked to females only 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

Age I would be financially worse off



I would get bored









112


Question Thirteen Cross Tabulation With Region What were your main concerns about going on maternity leave before you took it? – Asked to females only

113


Question Thirteen Cross Tabulation With Region What were your main concerns about going on maternity leave before you took it? – Asked to females only 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

Region I would be financially worse off



I would get bored









114


Question Thirteen Cross Tabulation With Employment Status What were your main concerns about going on maternity leave before you took it? – Asked to females only

115


Question Thirteen Cross Tabulation With Employment Status What were your main concerns about going on maternity leave before you took it? – Asked to females only 80 60 40 20 0

Employment Status I would be financially worse off



I would get bored









116


Question Fourteen In general, were these concerns justified? – Asked to females only

117


Question Fourteen In general, were these concerns justified? – Asked to females only 46%

28%

20%

6%

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

Yes, but the rewards of looking after the baby meant it was worth it Yes, I was right about what the biggest challenges were No, these things weren't as big a problem as I thought they would be Partially, but the challenges were different from what I thought they would be

118

40

45

50


Question Fourteen Cross Tabulation With Age In general, were these concerns justified? – Asked to females only

119


Question Fourteen Cross Tabulation With Age In general, were these concerns justified? – Asked to females only 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

Age Yes, but the rewards of looking after the baby meant it was worth it

Yes, I was right about what the biggest challenges were

No, these things weren't as big a problem as I thought they would be

Partially, but the challenges were different from what I thought they would be

120


Question Fourteen Cross Tabulation With Region In general, were these concerns justified? – Asked to females only

121


Question Fourteen Cross Tabulation With Region In general, were these concerns justified? – Asked to females only 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

Region Yes, but the rewards of looking after the baby meant it was worth it Yes, I was right about what the biggest challenges were No, these things weren't as big a problem as I thought they would be Partially, but the challenges were different from what I thought they would be

122


Question Fourteen Cross Tabulation With Employment Status In general, were these concerns justified? – Asked to females only

123


Question Fourteen Cross Tabulation With Employment Status In general, were these concerns justified? – Asked to females only 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

Employment Status Yes, but the rewards of looking after the baby meant it was worth it Yes, I was right about what the biggest challenges were No, these things weren't as big a problem as I thought they would be Partially, but the challenges were different from what I thought they would be

124

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