For Ruby Bayley, an Edinburgh-based teacher with an autoimmune condition, the choice to start a family is a huge burden. After reading this article by Ilyas Nagdee, published on January 14, she understood the way paternity leave policy affects self-employed workers, like her. Ever since her realization, she’s been intrigued by the topic.
In his subsequent op-ed, Nagdee, who recently returned from taking eight months of paternity leave, wrote about his experience. He spoke powerfully about how this decision radically changed his home and family life. Bayley and her partner really resonated with this story. While they are looking forward to having a new child in their lives, they’re feeling nervous about the potential difficulties that lie ahead without proper support. The couple’s anxiety is worsened by a system that currently denies people who are self-employed any entitlement to statutory paternity leave.
This is fortunate timing, as the UK government is currently reviewing paternity leave policies. This raises expectations for future policy changes to support self-employed parents. As Bayley weighs her options, time is running out. She understands that her biological clock is ticking. Without a safety net, she has no choice but to push off her dreams of starting a family even longer.
Bayley’s response to Nagdee’s piece highlights why paternity leave is critical for creating strong families. She hopes that knowing you can access this kind of support will help you feel like the early stages of parenthood are more manageable and enjoyable. The idea of going into parenthood without paternity leave hangs over her and her partner. They’re confused and overwhelmed by a big unknown future.
As they think about what’s next for them Bayley’s bleak reality is the all-too-common story for many self-employed people across the UK. Without enough paternity leave, they are put in an impossible position. They need to choose between professional success or realizing their wish to start a family. The current reconsideration of progressive paternity leave policies adds to the possibilities. It can help keep families like Bayley’s together, with safe, supportive housing in their communities.