Certain individuals possess the knowledge on how to manipulate the system (Picture: Getty Images). Realizing the limitations of having only 28 days of annual leave is part of adulthood. However, while the majority of us count bank holidays as a means to maximize our time off, there are those who go to the extent of pretending to have a child just to escape their desks.
Indeed, it sounds absurd, but a man who confessed on the anonymous Twitter account Fesshole claims to have done exactly that. “I have taken statutory paternity leave for four out of the last five years,” he wrote. “Despite being single and childless. My workplace has never bothered to verify the existence of an actual baby. Nevertheless, to avoid any potential scrutiny, I have set a randomly chosen baby image from Google as my phone screensaver and change it each time I become a ‘parent’.”
I have taken statutory paternity leave for 4 out of the last 5 years. Despite being single and childless. My workplace has never bothered to verify the existence of an actual baby. Nevertheless, to avoid any potential scrutiny, I have set a randomly chosen baby image from Google as my phone screensaver and change it each time I become a ‘parent.’ — Fesshole 🧻 (@fesshole) August 27, 2023
Surely, this couldn’t be true, right? In the UK, fathers can opt for one to two weeks of leave within the first 56 days after their child is born. It is worth noting that fathers may also be eligible for statutory paternity pay, usually around £172.48 or 90% of their average weekly earnings (whichever is lower). All that is required is to submit a form with the due date, desired start date for leave, and the preference for one or two weeks of leave. However, there is no actual requirement to provide proof of pregnancy or the birth of a child. If you doubt this, the government guidelines can be consulted. Commenters on the post mentioned that larger companies with competent Human Resources departments are more inclined to request a maternity certificate (or MAT B1 form) as evidence of birth. It goes without saying that feigning such circumstances carries significant risks. If this individual were to be caught, they would likely face termination due to gross misconduct, making it nearly impossible to secure future references. Nonetheless, one must acknowledge that in the game of life, individuals play by their own rules, and this person is currently winning. That is, until accusations of fraud arise.
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First published on Metro
