Petition · Department for Work and Pensions
Extend Paid Maternity Leave to 18 Months to Support Child Development.
Open for signatures
181 signatures
What the petition asks
We, the undersigned, respectfully petition the Government to extend paid maternity leave until a child reaches 18 months of age, and to provide parents with the opportunity to remain at home with their babies for longer during this critical period of development.
The first 18 months of a child’s life are a crucial period for physical growth, emotional security, brain development, and attachment. Extensive research shows that stable, responsive caregiving in early life lays the foundation for lifelong health, learning, and wellbeing.
Despite this, many parents are currently required to return to work well before their child even reaches 12 months, often due to financial necessity rather than choice. This can child development & parental mental health.
Despite this, many parents are currently required to return to work well before their child even reaches 12 months, often due to financial necessity rather than choice. This can child development & parental mental health.
Timeline
| 16 Mar 2026 | Petition opened for signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
181
Status
Open for signatures
Department
Department for Work and Pensions
Opened
16 Mar 2026
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.