The un-acknowledged relationship between shared parental leave, breastfeeding and workplace support in UK Universities

Gender equality is integral to a universities’ strategy and agenda. However, there gap when looking through the lens of shared parental leave (SPL) or breastfeeding. This research investigates causal relationship between SPL, breastfeeding, workplace support. A survey targeting women working in UK Higher Education Institutions was conducted February July 2021, 49 completed responses were recorded. Women reported knowledge SPL but not all workplaces offering it wasn’t easily accessible often too complex understand. Breastfeeding policies resources minimal. Lack breastfeeding support on return work affected women’s decision take SPL. Recommendations include creation more (SPL breastfeeding), providing examples parents who have utilized dissemination information announce their pregnancy work, adequate mothers.