Petition · Department for Work and Pensions
Increase Statutory Paternity Leave to a minimum 12 weeks paid leave for fathers
Open for signatures
1,849 signatures
What the petition asks
Amend employment law to extend Statutory Paternity Leave to at least 12 weeks for fathers, paid at a meaningful rate. This should be a protected entitlement separate from maternity leave and not dependent on Shared Parental Leave. with protection from workplace discrimination and financial penalty.
The UK provides only 1–2 weeks of low-paid paternity leave. Postnatal depression affects around 1 in 10 mothers and up to 10% of fathers. Early paternal bonding improves child development and family stability. The UK ranks near the bottom among OECD nations for father-specific leave. Fathers should not be forced to use annual leave or unpaid time to support their families. Investing in fathers early reduces long-term social and economic costs. Modern policy must reflect modern families.
Timeline
| 20 Mar 2026 | Petition opened for signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
1,849
Status
Open for signatures
Department
Department for Work and Pensions
Opened
20 Mar 2026
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 26 Jul 2026.