Petition · past parliament

Increase mandatory paternity leave for fathers to at least 12 weeks with pay.

Closed 286 signatures

What the petition asks

Increase paternity leave for fathers to at least 12 weeks. 2 weeks at full pay and 10 weeks at statutory pay. This should not detract from mother’s maternity leave and pay. This will allow better support for families.
Giving birth and having a newborn is extremely difficult for mothers. They need support to recover physically, emotionally and also raising a new baby. Having fathers at home for longer than the current 2 weeks would be a great help. Mothers who have Caesarean sections are bedbound for first few weeks as well and mothers need help and support. Post natal support is very lacking for new mothers. Shared parental leave does not allow for both parents to be off at the same time.

Timeline

13 Jan 2023 Petition opened for signatures
13 Jul 2023 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 286
Status Closed
Opened 13 Jan 2023
Closed 13 Jul 2023

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