About this study
This study aims to find out about the experiences of parents with young children, including:
- how much time off work they took when their baby was born,
- what financial help was available to them, and
- how having a baby affected their decisions about work.
The findings will be published in July 2010. In particular, we will be looking at mothers' and fathers' take-up and experiences of maternity and paternity rights and benefits around the time their baby was born. This is to assess the impact of legislation in 2007 that increased the rights and benefits available to parents of young children.
Potential policy impact
Our findings will help the government decide what additional support families with young children might need.
Timeline
April 2007: Commission date
September 2007: Fieldwork starts
January 2010: Fieldwork ends
July 2010: Report published
Method
We will be interviewing both mothers and fathers who have had a baby in the last 12 to 18 months to see if they are making use of their extra rights and benefits - and if employers are offering them. We'll conduct face-to-face interviews with 2,000 mothers and telephone interviews with 1,000 fathers.
This study is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department for Business Innovation and Skills.