Returning to work after children is tough for everyone, whether you are on shared parental leave or returning after a brief paternity break. It can often make life choices for you, whether you decide to return part-time, go freelance or start paying heavy childcare costs. Stella Creasy, MP’s choice to work with her small child hit a chord with all parents. The childcare juggle starts from day one.
No Maternity Cover for MPs
MPs for some archaic reason, can’t have someone do maternity cover for them while they take care of their childcare responsibilities. If a GP has a baby, they can call in a locum to cover their shifts… shouldn’t MPs be able to do the same? If a Member of Parliament takes time off, they do so in the knowledge that while they are away they are leaving their constituents without a voice in parliament. Stella decided to put her service to the people of Walthamstow first, and keep up her work and feed her baby. Tough choices which should be applauded.
Let’s hope this all gets sorted out quickly, so Stella can enjoy these early days with her newborn and get back to work.
Shared Parental Leave
Side note: In 2019/2020, the fifth year of the shared parental leave scheme only 3.6% of new dads took up the opportunity, far short of the 25% target set by government. I wonder how many MPs became fathers and how many shared leave?
More information
Read more about your rights to leave as a new parent here: Paternity leave in the UK | DAD.info
