Parents say they need more from shared parental leave

Three years since shared parental leave came into law, campaigners say much more has to be done to help new mams and dads in Tyne and Wear.

Recent figures suggest only 2% of couples have taken up the option since it came into effect on 5th April 2015.

It's thought that as many as a third of parents still aren't aware they can share up to 50 weeks of leave, 37 paid, between both Mam and Dad.

It's been criticised for only being available when both parents are in full time work, and therefore not supporting self-employed parents or parents who may be freelancing.

Newcastle mam of two Joeli Brearley has told us three years on, it's still not set up properly.

She said:

"The way that shared parental leave is set up at the moment, it means mothers have to give away a portion of their leave to fathers - and understandably, many mothers are reluctant to do that.

"Other countries have shown that if you ring fence leave for fathers, so they have a specific amount of time for them and they cannot give it away to anyone else, take up will soar."

"There is a plenty of research that says if you take care of parents when they take parental leave, upon their return they will be much more dedicated and much more committed members of your team."

The Government announced last month that it will spend £1.5 million to promote the scheme.