Equal Parental Leave for Fathers: Reform UK statutory Paternity leave Policies

[HennioLima]

We want the Government to introduce equal statutory parental leave for fathers, matching statutory maternity leave duration. We think this would ensure fathers can fully support their partners during recovery, bond with their children, and promote equality in caregiving and workplace rights.

We think current statutory paternity leave of two weeks is inadequate, especially when partners require longer recovery periods, such as after Caesarean sections. Fathers play a key role in caregiving and household responsibilities but we feel have to return to work prematurely, which may create emotional and financial strain. We think equal parental leave would promote family well-being, reduce gender inequality, and ensure fathers can bond with their children and support their partners effectively.

Please sign this petition: 🤗

Equal Parental Leave for Fathers: Reform UK statutory Paternity leave Policies

I agree that 2 weeks Stat Pat leave is insufficient.

I disagree that Pat Leave should match stat maternity leave in duration. Women have Mat Leave to recover from child bearing and child birth and breastfeeding if relevant, none of which apply to men.

Fathers play a key role in caregiving and household responsibilities but we feel have to return to work prematurely, which may create emotional and financial strain.

I agree, Fathers should. This should be the main focus - how to get Fathers to recognise they need to step up and into this role, which is a lifelong role, not just for the period of Pat Leave.

I don't know the answer, but there's education involved in there someway, as well as longer Pat Leave.

I took 9 months maternity leave and my husband took 3 months SPL. It was hell. I ended up both working and doing the vast majority of the childcare (all night wakings, some naps, breastfeeding, helping him when he couldn't change a pooey nappy). All while trying to hold down a mentally challenging job. Maternity should only be shared with a partner who actually wants to do the childcare and doesn't have excuses why he couldn't possibly do it.