Petition · past parliament

Extend Paternity Leave to 4 weeks for first time parents.

Closed 35 signatures

What the petition asks

First time father's should be given 4 weeks Paternity Leave, an additional 2 weeks on top of standard current paternity leave. This will allow both parents the neccessary time needed to adjust to this major life changing event.
Any new child to a family is a life changing event, but the first is a major life adjustment. It requires learning a host of new skills whilst under stress and sleep deprivation. Four weeks would allow more time to improve paternal relationships with the new child and reduce stress on the mother. This could reduce baby blues and other mental problems and potentially reduce parental splits. Caring for a whole new human being is a huge responsibility that justifies more than 2 weeks of training.

Timeline

4 Oct 2022 Petition opened for signatures
4 Apr 2023 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 35
Status Closed
Opened 4 Oct 2022
Closed 4 Apr 2023

Follow this petition

Sign in to get an email when the government responds, a debate is scheduled or held, or the petition closes.

Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.