Increase Statutory Paternity Leave to a minimum 12 weeks paid leave for fathers

Amend employment law to extend Statutory Paternity Leave to at least 12 weeks for fathers, paid at a meaningful rate. This should be a protected entitlement separate from maternity leave and not dependent on Shared Parental Leave. with protection from workplace discrimination and financial penalty.

343 Signatures

Status
Open
Opened
Friday 20th March 2026
Last 24 hours signatures
12
Signature Deadline
Sunday 20th September 2026
Estimated Final Signatures: 1,322

Reticulating Splines

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The UK provides only 1–2 weeks of low-paid paternity leave. Postnatal depression affects around 1 in 10 mothers and up to 10% of fathers. Early paternal bonding improves child development and family stability. The UK ranks near the bottom among OECD nations for father-specific leave. Fathers should not be forced to use annual leave or unpaid time to support their families. Investing in fathers early reduces long-term social and economic costs. Modern policy must reflect modern families.


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Reticulating Splines