A campaign group has praised Ealing Council for making a ‘massive difference’ to families by increasing paternity leave for new fathers to 8 weeks.
The change means the council now offers 4 times longer than the UK’s legal requirement of 2 weeks.
As part of a wider, family-friendly policy to support its staff, the council has also improved pay for women on maternity leave, provided new incentives to return to work and offered help with loans to cover childcare costs. Nearly a third of council staff live in the borough.
George Gabriel is co-founder of The Dad Shift, a campaign group advocating for better paternity leave in the UK. He said: “Huge congratulations to Ealing Council. This will make a massive difference to hundreds of working dads and their families directly while setting an important example.
“With 8 weeks’ properly paid paternity leave, these blokes will have a meaningful chance to support their partners, bond with their babies, and take their first steps figuring out what it means to be a father.”
More during, and after, maternity
The council has also introduced a new payment for staff returning from maternity leave, to incentivise their return, and help more mothers get back to work and overcome the challenges of balancing it with childcare.
This is in addition to improving pay levels during maternity leave – and also those members of staff taking adoption leave to adopt a child. Both will now get 8 weeks’ full pay (instead of 6), and a longer period of half pay while they are on leave.
A new childcare deposit loan scheme will also provide a loan to employees who need help to find a childcare place for their child.
The council’s family-friendly approach aims to keep hold of experienced staff, attract younger workers and mid-career professionals, and build and develop existing talent within a more diverse workforce.
Cost of living support
These policy changes are also part of a broader package of cost of living support for council employees, which also includes help with renting a property.
A rental deposit scheme will help employees who are taking on a privately rented tenancy, and those who are moving between properties and need a deposit or are waiting for a refund on a previous deposit.
The moves have been backed by the GMB and Unison unions.
Breaking down barriers
Councillor Steve Donnelly, the council’s cabinet member for inclusive economy and efficiency, said: “Children and families do best when they benefit from as many close, loving relationships as possible and we want to support them to build these strong foundations, right from the start.
“Cost of living support will help to break down barriers to employment and career progression, including for residents who make up 30% of our workforce.
“And, in creating a modern, flexible working environment, we are making sure that we can recruit and retain the best possible talent to serve the people of the borough, now and in the future. We are not only building a stronger council, we are building stronger communities.”
