Past event
This event took place on 6th February 2025
Network Chairs – Best practice support for working fathers/co-parents and why it matters
6th February 2025 | 12pm to 1pm

We all recognise that juggling parental responsibilities and work can be really challenging. Culturally, more and more employers are recognising the requirement to better support working parents in their workforce. Employers are also unlocking the benefits that come through offering better support, such as increased loyalty from their employees and an ability to attract talent.
Despite this, when we look at support for fathers and co-parents, the UK’s statutory paternity leave is the worst in Europe – only two weeks leave, paid at less than half the minimum wage. In addition to this, once a father has returned to work, they often find a workplace that is more culturally accepting of mothers taking on the bulk of caring responsibilities.
Though we’ve seen great steps forward in this space over the last few years, a requirement for flexibility for caring responsibilities is still perceived by many as predominantly a woman’s issue. These issues are a significant contributor to the gender pay gap and are making it more difficult for many fathers and co-parents to access flexibility and talk openly and proudly about their caring responsibilities at work.
This network chair session, chaired by Working Families Relationship Manager Lottie Driver, will focus on how change can be accelerated in this area. We are delighted to be joined by Alex Lloyd Hunter from The Dad Shift, a group of men, dads and co-parents campaigning for better paternity leave in the UK. We’ll explore why substantial, affordable and equal paternity leave is so important, and hear from them on the inspiring work they’re doing to challenge the status quo of statutory paternity leave here in the UK.
We will also discuss how we can help foster a workplace culture where fathers/co-parents do not feel a need to hide their caring responsibilities at work, but can Parent Out Loud proudly instead.
Please note that this is not a listen and learn session and after our panel have shared, we would love to hear from you! So, please de-mute yourself and turn your camera on, to join in this important discussion!
This event is for Working Families employer members only.
Spaces are limited to two per member organisation.
Event details
- Date
- 6 Feb 2025