Four in 10 new Dutch fathers don’t take full parental leave

Six in 10 new fathers are making full use of an additional five weeks leave after the birth of a new baby and that is lower than reported earlier, according to research published in economics magazine ESB.

Since 2020 the partners of new mothers have been able to take five extra weeks of leave at 70% of their salary (up to a maximum), in addition to the regular one week off which is paid at 100%.

Earlier research suggested that between three-quarters and 84% of partners would use the extra leave.

The new research shows people in the highest and lowest income categories are least likely to take additional time off.  The researchers said the loss of income is particularly acute for people on low salaries, who are often in temporary jobs with fewer rights.

High income couples are also faced with a salary ceiling – the benefit is paid at 70% of salary based on a maximum income of €55,000.

This makes the financial impact of taking leave an important consideration at both ends of the salary scale, the researchers said.

Parental leave in the Netherlands has since been expanded to 26 weeks, nine of which are partly paid.