Maternity and paternity leave knowledge, plans & experiences V3
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A longitudinal mixed method study of parents' expectations and experiences of maternity and paternity leave
IRAS ID
200736
Contact name
Katherine Twamley
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
UCL
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Z6364106/2016/03/05, UCL Data Protection Registration number
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 6 months, 30 days
Research summary
Expectant parents’ knowledge, attitudes and experiences of maternity and paternity leave
In April 2015 Shared Parental Leave came into effect, giving more choice to mothers and fathers in how they take leave from employment after the birth of a child. However, little is known about expectant parents’ attitudes towards these changes in leave availability, nor their experiences of taking leave in this way. Leave from employment is important in establishing care routines with a new baby. This study will help to inform whether and how leave policy can be improved for parents.
The data will be collected in two parts: First via a survey in antenatal clinics. All expectant parents are eligible to take part, whether in paid employment or not. Second, a sample of the survey respondents will be invited to participate in a more in-depth set of interviews during their leave – only first-time parents eligible to take advantage of Shared Parental Leave will be invited for the second part of the study. The interviews will explore decisions and experiences of leave.
The study is funded by the Leverhulme Trust and will take place from 2016 to 2018.REC name
South Central - Hampshire B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/SC/0306
Date of REC Opinion
7 Jun 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion