Petition · past parliament · Department for Business and Trade
Increase paternity leave and entitlements to equal maternity leave and pay
Closed
50 signatures
What the petition asks
I'd like the Government to enhance statutory paternity leave and pay to match maternity leave and pay. Currently paternity leave is only one or two weeks at the lower of £172.48, or 90% of weekly earnings. Maternity leave is up to a year, with more generous pay entitlements for the first six weeks.
We believe current arrangements are unfair, and mean many fathers miss out on important bonding experiences, and are unable to help support the mother after child birth. Both parents should have equal rights to pay and leave, so they can decide together how to share care for their child.
Timeline
| 1 Nov 2023 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 1 May 2024 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
50
Status
Closed
Department
Department for Business and Trade
Opened
1 Nov 2023
Closed
1 May 2024
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.