Prime Minister Andy Burnham is facing increasing pressure from Labour MPs to commit to improving paternity leave in the UK. Ahead of the Chancellor's first budget next month, 105 MPs have written to Mr Burnham, urging him to increase statutory paternity leave.
The MPs argue that this step would help alleviate the cost of living crisis, stating that the lowest-paid fathers are significantly affected by current paternity leave provisions. The letter, coordinated by Labour peer Frances O’Grady and MPs Maya Ellis and Jon Pearce, also calls on Chancellor John Healey to assist families with babies.
The Guardian understands that almost half of Labour's 403 MPs have supported improvements to paternity leave, including two secretaries of state and 11 ministers. Campaigners highlight that the UK ranks 40th out of 43 OECD countries for paternity leave, with employed fathers currently receiving two weeks of statutory leave paid at £187.18 per week.
A government spokesperson stated that they are committed to ensuring fathers and partners can support their families after childbirth. They noted that changes have already brought an additional 32,000 partners into scope for paternity leave and a full review of parental pay and leave is underway.