A new study published in the economics journal ESB reveals that uptake of additional paternity leave in the Netherlands is lower than initially projected. Since 2020, fathers and partners of new mothers have been eligible for up to five weeks of additional leave, following one week of full pay. The current rate of utilization is approximately 60%, significantly less than previous estimates of 74-84%. The research indicates that financial concerns deter lower-income earners, who often have precarious employment contracts, while higher earners are discouraged by income loss due to a capped benefit calculation. The policy was intended to promote a more equitable distribution of childcare responsibilities and mitigate the “baby penalty” – the income drop experienced by mothers after childbirth. The study suggests that financial barriers impact participation across the income spectrum, hindering the policy’s intended effects. Researchers conclude that both low and high earners face disincentives to fully utilize the available leave.