Sharing Childcare

Childcare should be shared equally between parents, that's according to a survey by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

It shows that's the belief of more than half of the UK, while just under a quarter said they believe childcare should be the mother's main responsibility.

The research was carried out ahead of the introduction of Shared Parental Leave, which will apply to parents of babies born or adopted from 5th April this year. 

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said:
 
"This Edwardian notion that women should stay at home while men go out and support the family has simply no place in this day and age. We need a modern Britain and a fair society that works for families, not against them. 
 
"We know that mums and dads want more flexibility and choice when it comes to juggling their home and work lives and we're listening and taking action. 
 
"That's why we've introduced Shared Parental Leave so that parents can make their own decisions about how to raise their family, whether it's giving women the choice to go back to work earlier or men the opportunity to spend more time with their children."
 
Employment Relations Minister Jo Swinson said:
 
"Becoming a parent is an amazing, life-changing event.  Helping new parents negotiate the balance between their work and family responsibilities will benefit employers through greater staff retention and loyalty.
 
"This survey shows people are rejecting dated stereotypes about the roles of men and women.  Parenting is a shared endeavour and couples want more flexibility when they are adapting to the demands of a new baby.  Shared Parental Leave will let couples choose how to share their childcare responsibilities in whatever way works best for them, and enable both parents to spend time developing that vital bond with their baby in the early stages."