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A group of cross-party MPs in the UK has identified the statutory parental leave system as one of the worst in the developed world, highlighting fundamental flaws that entrench outdated gender stereotypes. The report published by the Women and Equalities Committee calls for bold action, emphasizing the need for significant investment to address these issues. The Department for Business and Trade has acknowledged the concerns raised and stated that the government is currently undergoing a review to determine the best ways to support working families.
Since its introduction in 2003, statutory paternity leave in the UK has allowed most new fathers and second parents to take up to two weeks off work following the birth, surrogacy, or adoption of a baby. However, the report points out that the current system falls short in providing adequate support, with eligible individuals receiving less than 50% of the National Living Wage. Comparisons with other countries like Spain, France, and Sweden reveal the disparities in paternity leave offerings, with some nations providing significantly more time off work at full pay for new dads.
One father, James Yeates, shared his experience of returning to work just two weeks after the birth of his son, Luca, in September 2024. While grateful for the statutory paternity pay topped up by his employer to 100% of his usual salary, James expressed the challenges of balancing work and family responsibilities. The report also scrutinized shared parental leave, introduced in 2014, which allows parents to share up to 50 weeks of leave and 37 weeks of pay. However, findings show that the scheme is underutilized and often perceived as complex and burdensome by families.
As the world’s first dad strike looms, with hundreds of fathers set to protest in London for an improved parental leave system, research reveals a stark contrast in financial support for fathers compared to birthing parents. The lack of adequate support for dads and non-birthing parents is underscored by the disproportion in funds allocated to statutory maternity pay versus paternity pay and shared parental pay. Despite the forthcoming review by the government to reassess parental leave entitlements, advocates like George Gabriel and Kathy Jones urge for timely action to address the pressing need for reform in the UK’s parental leave policies
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