Almost three-quarters of new dads or partners are taking up to six weeks parental leave after the birth of a baby, according to an analysis of legislation allowing longer periods, which came into effect in 2019.

However, 16% of partners take no more than the regular paid parental leave of five days and 10% take no leave at all, the figures show.

Paid paternity leave was expanded from two to five days in 2019 and since 2020, fathers and partners have been allowed to take a further five weeks off at 70% of their regular pay. This is partly funded by the government.

Half of those who took no leave said they did not need it because they were planning to work less or stop altogether. However 40% also said that they could not afford the time off.

Social affairs minister Karien van Gennip said there are no plans to make any further changes and that the expansion of paternity leave is a ‘cultural shift that takes time’. A new assessment will take place in the second half of next year.

From August, parents in the Netherlands will have the right to nine weeks parental leave, paid at 70% of their daily rate up – to a maximum of €155. They can also take a further 17 weeks, unpaid, until their child reaches the age of eight.