![[UK] Fathers call for modernisation of paternity leave](http://gpa.net/cdn/shop/articles/bigstock--180756256_b08fa5c9-ee53-4f54-b218-1c5c1e4e071f_1200x.jpg?v=1763942384)
In the UK, campaigners are urging the government to modernise paternity leave and help fathers be more present in family life, BBC News reports.
The Dad Shift is calling for "affordable and equal leave for both parents in every relationship". Its co-founder, Alex Lloyd Hunter, said the group was also working to raise awareness, since the majority of fathers are unaware they can share parental leave, with less than 5 per cent (10,600) currently choosing this option.
The government reportedly stated that it "knows the parental leave system needs improving" and added it is currently carrying out a comprehensive review "to make sure it truly works for modern families".
Since 2014, parents have had the right to share up to 50 weeks of leave during the first year after the birth of a child. However, if fathers do not opt to share leave, they are only offered two weeks of paid leave under the UK's statutory paternity leave system. This is paid at less than half the minimum wage
Self-employed people are not offered any benefits.
Speaking to BBC Radio Somerset, Mr Lloyd Hunter reportedly said he wanted to start a campaign to "join the mothers who are already campaigning for better paternity leave to get better support after their kids are born and bring dads into the conversation".
"We want to support our partners properly, we want to be closer to our kids, we want to do our fair share at home, so that's what the campaign is trying to achieve," he added.
Group leaders now provide online support to parents who are struggling.
Earlier in the year, a committee of MPs described the UK's parental leave system as "one of the worst in the developed world" with "fundamental flaws".
Mr Lloyd Hunter said, "In all the other countries that have improved paternity leave, what you see is that, because it's easier for families to share things more equally at home, it makes it easier for mothers to basically go and succeed in the world of work."
The group reportedly welcomed a government review of parental leave, published in July, which is due to be completed by the end of 2026.
Kate Dearden - Minister for Employment Rights - told BBC News that no dad should feel they cannot spend meaningful time with their children.
"I'm committed to ensuring they have the strongest possible backing to balance work and family life as part of our Plan to Make Work Pay.
"We know the current parental leave system needs improving, which is why we're carrying out a comprehensive review to make sure it truly works for modern families.
"Our landmark Employment Rights Bill will also make paternity leave a right from day one, a vital step in giving parents the flexibility and support they deserve," she said.
Source: BBC News
(Link and quotes via original reporting)
In the UK, campaigners are urging the government to modernise paternity leave and help fathers be more present in family life, BBC News reports.
The Dad Shift is calling for "affordable and equal leave for both parents in every relationship". Its co-founder, Alex Lloyd Hunter, said the group was also working to raise awareness, since the majority of fathers are unaware they can share parental leave, with less than 5 per cent (10,600) currently choosing this option.
The government reportedly stated that it "knows the parental leave system needs improving" and added it is currently carrying out a comprehensive review "to make sure it truly works for modern families".
Since 2014, parents have had the right to share up to 50 weeks of leave during the first year after the birth of a child. However, if fathers do not opt to share leave, they are only offered two weeks of paid leave under the UK's statutory paternity leave system. This is paid at less than half the minimum wage
Self-employed people are not offered any benefits.
Speaking to BBC Radio Somerset, Mr Lloyd Hunter reportedly said he wanted to start a campaign to "join the mothers who are already campaigning for better paternity leave to get better support after their kids are born and bring dads into the conversation".
"We want to support our partners properly, we want to be closer to our kids, we want to do our fair share at home, so that's what the campaign is trying to achieve," he added.
Group leaders now provide online support to parents who are struggling.
Earlier in the year, a committee of MPs described the UK's parental leave system as "one of the worst in the developed world" with "fundamental flaws".
Mr Lloyd Hunter said, "In all the other countries that have improved paternity leave, what you see is that, because it's easier for families to share things more equally at home, it makes it easier for mothers to basically go and succeed in the world of work."
The group reportedly welcomed a government review of parental leave, published in July, which is due to be completed by the end of 2026.
Kate Dearden - Minister for Employment Rights - told BBC News that no dad should feel they cannot spend meaningful time with their children.
"I'm committed to ensuring they have the strongest possible backing to balance work and family life as part of our Plan to Make Work Pay.
"We know the current parental leave system needs improving, which is why we're carrying out a comprehensive review to make sure it truly works for modern families.
"Our landmark Employment Rights Bill will also make paternity leave a right from day one, a vital step in giving parents the flexibility and support they deserve," she said.
Source: BBC News
(Link and quotes via original reporting)
