Carer's leave only if partner has C-section - grr!

Earlier today my DH spoke to the (female) "HR person" at head office about taking time off after bub#2 is born. Apparntly his workplace, a small-to-medium sized national company won't give partners carers' leave after the birth of a child ... unless the wife has a c-section.
DH told her we also had a toddler and he'd be needed at home, but nope ... unless I have a C-section he doesn't qualify for carer's leave.



: angry:

Now, I've asked DH to check up about paternity leave, because SURELY he's entitled to that ... but I'm a little peturbed by the implication that I would only require carer's leave if I have major surgery. Of course, giving birth is a walk in the park and an hour or so after having bub I'll be back at home picking up the vacuum cleaner and mop.

I'm trying to get DH to voice his opinions further about what qualifies as carer's leave, but by the same token I don't want him to rock the boat. DH is taking leave for a month after bub is born, but we were hoping he wouldn't have to take all of it as rec leave. I thought most workplaces these days offered a certain amount of paid paternity and carer's leave ... but obviously not.

Sigh. Gotta love HR!

That sounds really wrong! I would ask to see the HR policy in writing to confirm what your DH's entitlements are.

carers leave is there for medical care - and most workplaces would have a policy that requires a medical certificate to provide carers leave. it's like taking a sickie - there is documentation required

your partner should be checking on paternity leave/parental leave.

birth, unless it requires c/section, probably wouldn't require additional care - it's a natural process. yes, it's great to have someone to help you out, but it's not something that would warrant your partner taking "sick" time - if one of you is ill, yes, but i kinda agree that the process of birth doesn't warrant it

hopefully he can clear up the paternity/paternal leave thing though. my understanding is that most larger work places offer 2 weeks paternal leave - generally unpaid unless it's in their award/contract

:yeahthat: My DH was able to take parental leave when I had DD2, but wasn't entitled to carers leave as there was no medical reason for it.

my workplace doesnt offer paternity leave at all, and my prior employer offered 1 week unpaid.
It depends on the company unfortunately.

My DH works for his Dad's business and he had to go to work the day of birth and each day after while I was in hospital too and I had a CS. I think each company has its own policy.
Check out the paternity leave entitlements though.