New parents share the positive impact of 12 weeks’ paternity leave at Wates
New parents share the positive impact of 12 weeks’ paternity leave at Wates
At Wates, our commitment to a thriving workplace is reflected in our family-friendly policies.
Our paternity/partner leave – recognising different family set-ups – was extended in June 2024 from eight weeks’ full pay to twelve weeks.
We talked to parents across the business about how their leave benefitted their families.
My son was born a couple of days early and had to stay in the hospital for seven days. If I had only taken two weeks off, I would have had to return to work soon after he came home. But the extended paternity leave meant I still had several more weeks to help at home.
“Initially I took eight weeks of leave and I’ve booked my final four to help when my wife goes back to work after nine months’ maternity leave and my son starts at nursery.
“I had great support from my manager and my workmates organised things around my leave. I’d say to any expectant father, take the time off. You’re never going to get that time back.”
WPS Site Surveyor
We were expecting our first child in the middle of March so I had booked my paternity leave in one block of 12 weeks to start from then, but in mid-February my wife was rushed into hospital, and had a C-section.
“It was obviously a bit of a traumatic time, but my manager said, ‘don’t worry, we’ll sort it’. We’re quite a close-knit team here and everyone was sound about it.
“For the first few weeks, we were just trying to get used to everything, being first time parents. But we got into a bit of a routine and the 12 weeks shot by. Having that amount of time off was hugely beneficial. Being a dad is amazing, it’s literally the best job in the world.”
SES Transport and Logistics Operative
Wates’ original plan was two weeks, and that got extended to eight weeks on 1 May 2020 and my son was born on 3 May. They upgraded it again on 1 June 2024 to twelve weeks and my daughter was born on 26 June. So both times I just got in there with increased time off.
“When my daughter was born the time off was invaluable because my son was just about to finish nursery school. Being around during those transitions as well as having a new baby was really beneficial.
“There are other people that can pick up your work for you, but nobody can pick up being a dad.”
Digital Construction Manager
My daughter is now 14 months, so I was expecting eight weeks’ paternity leave, and planned to take it as a full stint. But just before she was due, the twelve-week policy came in, so I was fortunate enough to fall within the threshold.
“That was brilliant and allowed me to split the leave into an initial stretch of 10 weeks, and then have a second bout of two weeks later on. It’s critical to have sufficient time off at the start of your new family so you can bond with your child and support your wife.
“I’ve got a supportive team, so I didn’t have to worry if things would get done or if I couldn’t take the leave because everyone was on board with it.”
SES Pre-Construction Manager
The extended leave was brought in literally at the beginning of the month my daughter was born – all through May, I kept saying to my wife, ‘don’t give birth yet!’
“The first six to eight weeks was a godsend because your baby does not sleep at night. My wife and I would just take it in shifts. For Wates to give you 12 weeks fully paid is really good. I also like that we can spread that 12 weeks over two years; it’s good to be able to spend that time with my daughter as she’s growing up.
“When I’m asked by people what it’s like working for Wates, I say, ‘it’s a nice company, I really love it, it’s got good values’. I think the paternity rule is something that really demonstrates that.”
WPS Financial Systems Manager
My wife couldn’t move much after having a C-section, so just me being there made a big difference.
“I’d booked the paternity leave six months earlier. I just told my manager about it and she was really helpful. Everyone was supportive.
“Being a new dad is fun, but it’s a big responsibility. I used to be a bit lazy, but now I get up, make the milk, change the nappy. When I come home from work and see my son, I’m so happy. Playing with him gives me a different kind of energy.”
Smartspace Commercial Administrator
When we had our first child, I took what was at the time ‘paternity’ leave. In 2018, that leave was literally two weeks, one paid, one unpaid. I did feel I was missing out, but it was just the norm at that time.
“In 2023, I gave birth to our second daughter and took the full 12 months’ maternity leave. My wife had gone back to work three days a week and only got the statutory two weeks off as a partner.
“I think there’s a massive benefit in the early weeks of both parents being around. It’s about sharing the care and establishing a balance of responsibility from early on.”
Construction Regional Commercial Director
When we were expecting my daughter, I was on a high-pressure project and I felt it was quite a bad time to be having eight weeks off, but my line manager said he’d arrange cover. So I did four weeks when my baby was first born and the other four later.
“When my son was born, I took the whole 12 weeks, and I can honestly say that was the best time of my life. It was so good bonding with the children, especially in those first few weeks, and being around when your partner needs your support.
“Everyone’s different, but for me personally, I’d say, 100 per cent take the leave to support your partner.”
Construction Project Manager
It can be hard to step away from the job for a long period when you’re in operations, but it’s important to be there for your family.
“I had eight weeks after my second son was born, then I went back to work while my wife was on maternity leave until he was six months old. At that point we switched over and I took shared parental leave and added some annual leave to get us through to nursery.
“It gave me six months with my new son and it’s a life changing experience to spend that amount of time with your kids at such a young age, where they’re learning so much, so quickly.”
Construction Senior Site Manager
