Mumsnet urges parish and town councils to follow NALC in publishing parental leave policies

In a call for greater transparency and fairness in the workplace, Mumsnet, the UK’s largest network for parents, has appealed to parish and town councils to publish their parental leave policies. The letter, part of Mumsnet’s ongoing Publish Parental Leave campaign, highlights the importance of accessible information about parental leave for prospective employees, particularly mothers.

The campaign launched in 2019 addresses concerns that asking about parental leave policies during job interviews could harm candidates’ chances of employment. Research by Mumsnet underscores the need for change. 84% of respondents consider parental leave policies essential when applying for jobs, yet two-thirds report difficulty accessing this information.

The letter sent by Mumsnet founder and chief executive officer Justine Roberts states, “Publishing parental leave policies is a small, cost-free change that encourages a race to the top for employers, helps tackle the gender pay gap, and allows potential employees to make informed decisions about their futures.”

Mumsnet advocates for the government to require large organisations to disclose their parental leave policies. Until such legislation is enacted, the campaign encourages voluntary publication. We recently took this step by publicising our policies, setting an example that Mumsnet hopes other parish and town councils will follow.

The letter urges parish and town councils to commit to transparency and offer guidance on best practices. For the nine million monthly visitors to the platform, predominantly mothers, such measures could represent a significant step towards equitable employment practices. By taking action, parish and town councils can foster a supportive and transparent workplace culture, benefitting both employees and employers.