Changing the Narrative on Paternity Leave in the UK

Changing the Narrative on Paternity Leave in the UK

Alex Latham-Reynolds, preparing to make history! This September, he will be making full use of the UK’s improved paternity leave on offer. This initiative aims to address the longstanding issue of inadequate paternity provisions in the country, which ranks among the lowest in Europe for such benefits. Fathers in the UK currently have a statutory right to just two weeks’ leave, with their pay capped at £184.03 per week. Alarmingly, statistics reveal that one in three fathers in the UK take no paternity leave at all following the birth of their child.

Advocates such as Shaun Davies are pushing to create the conditions that are creating urgency and reform. As an MP and paternity leave campaigner he is already being a force for good. That’s why he has long called for much deeper support for new fathers as they find their feet in the role. The cross-party women and equalities select committee has echoed these sentiments, labeling the UK’s statutory parental leave system as “one of the worst in the developed world,” citing “fundamental flaws” in its structure.

The push for improved parental leave policies continues across the country. In 2020, Stella Creasy was the first MP to benefit from a year-long, full locum cover pilot program to cover her first child. In the climate space, Ian Murray made a revolutionary decision. He was able to take all of his paternity leave after the birth of their second child. Taken together, these actions have begun to change attitudes about paternity leave among lawmakers and activists.

Luke Charters, a young, new, father of two, Labour MP has recently added his voice to the discussion. He has recently announced plans to take at least four weeks of paternity leave when his second son arrives next month. Charters has since been inundated with constituents applauding his decision. His commitment to family comes before anything else. This decision reflects that there is a mounting recognition of the importance of honoring parental obligations for those in competitive, non-traditional careers.

“Being an MP is a privilege. It’s one of the busiest jobs in Britain, but I’ve got to be a dad first and an MP second.” – Luke Charters

Charters points out that paid paternity leave is more than just an opportunity to take a breather. It represents essential nurturing caregiving at the most formative stage of a child’s growth and development. He stated, “Paternity leave – any parental leave – is not rest, it’s essential caregiving at the start of a child’s life.” His view points to the larger issue that we need to have a cultural shift in this country about the expectations of parental roles.

The campaign group Dad Shift is earning attention with their recent “dad strike.” Dads and their little ones joined together outside the Government’s Department for Business and Trade in London to stand up and speak out. This new campaign is intended to educate the public about paternal leave challenges and lobby for improved policies. Richard Lloyd, chair of Ipsa, affirmed that the organization is “continually looking at ways to support a family-friendly parliament.”

After years of campaigning, the UK government has finally forced through a private members bill that gives ministers six months full pay maternity leave. As advocating for a public option for all shows, this move illuminates the vast difference in the parental leave that is offered to mothers versus fathers. The select committee’s recommendation for new fathers to receive six weeks off work is a step toward addressing this imbalance.

Charters’ proactive stance has inspired many. For him, that’s part of what makes it so important for lawmakers to model supportive behavior when it comes to family life. He noted, “I think it’s really important to kind of model that behaviour and sort of lead by example.” By living out and speaking out, he wants to encourage dads everywhere to lean into their roles when they’re home.

“My message is: we’re fighting for you to have enhanced paternity leave regardless of how busy your job is. If you can, do spend those important first few weeks with your son or daughter, building those lifelong memories. Nothing is more important.” – Luke Charters

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