Key facts
- Over a quarter of Labour MPs are calling for an increase in statutory paternity leave.
- The MPs want paternity leave to be paid at 90% of earnings for six weeks.
- The proposed policy is estimated to generate £2.6bn in economic growth.
- The UK is ranked 40th out of 43 OECD countries for paternity leave generosity.
- Current statutory paternity leave is paid at £187.18 per week.
- A government review of parental pay and leave is currently being conducted.
A significant bloc of Labour Members of Parliament is urging the government to increase statutory paternity leave, viewing it as a popular policy that could help families struggling with the cost of living and boost economic growth. The MPs have written to Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Chancellor John Healey ahead of the upcoming budget, calling for six weeks of paid paternity leave at 90% of earnings.
The letter, coordinated by Labour peer Frances O’Grady and MPs Maya Ellis and Jon Pearce, argues that the current provision disproportionately affects lower-paid fathers and that improving it would address geographic disparities in leave-taking. Supporters believe the policy would resonate strongly with voters, particularly blue-collar workers.
Campaigners have long criticized the UK's paternity leave offer as one of the least generous among developed nations. The current statutory pay rate of £187.18 per week is significantly below the national living wage. A report by Maternity Action last year found that many women on maternity leave had to borrow money to cover living costs.
In response, a government spokesperson stated that recent changes have expanded paternity leave eligibility to an additional 32,000 partners and that a comprehensive review of parental pay and leave is underway to align with modern work and childcare realities.