Paternity leave is outdated and unequal, MPs say
Summary
A report by the UK Parliament's Women and Equalities Committee highlights that the country's paternity leave system is one of the worst among developed nations, describing it as flawed and outdated. They recommend increasing paternity leave to six weeks and raising pay to 90% of a father's salary. The government is reviewing how to better support working families.Key Facts
- The UK paternity leave system was introduced in 2003 and allows up to two weeks off work for new fathers or second parents.
- Eligible fathers receive £187.18 a week or 90% of their average earnings, whichever is less, but are ineligible if self-employed or earning under £123 a week.
- The report suggests increasing paternity leave to six weeks and boosting pay to 90% of average earnings.
- Statutory paternity pay currently amounts to less than 50% of the National Living Wage.
- The Women and Equalities Committee says paternity leave rules enforce outdated gender stereotypes.
- The report indicates current paternity leave policies are among the worst in the developed world, with much better provisions in places like Spain, France, and Sweden.
- Shared parental leave, introduced in 2014, is considered too complex and is used in less than 2% of all births.
- About 45% of fathers are unaware they can opt for shared parental leave.
- Only 3% of parental leave spending in 2023/24 supported fathers and non-birthing parents.
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