Pressure grows on Burnham to commit to increasing statutory paternity leave
Summary
More than 100 UK Labour MPs are urging Prime Minister Andy Burnham to increase paid paternity leave in the upcoming budget to help families cope with the cost of living crisis. They argue that current paternity leave is too short and poorly paid, especially for lower-income fathers, and want stronger support before the government’s parental leave review in December.Key Facts
- 105 Labour MPs signed a letter asking for longer, better-paid paternity leave.
- Many believe longer paternity leave could help families struggling with living costs.
- Labour has 403 MPs, and nearly half support improving paternity leave, including some ministers.
- Currently, UK fathers get only two weeks of statutory paternity leave, paid at about £187 per week.
- This pay is less than half the national living wage, making it hard for low-paid fathers to take leave.
- Data shows richer areas and higher earners use more paternity leave than poorer areas and lower earners.
- MPs suggest fathers could get six weeks of leave paid at 90% of their earnings, potentially boosting the economy by £2.6bn.
- Campaign groups say the UK ranks near the bottom among developed countries for paternity leave generosity.
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