'Give new fathers six weeks' paid paternity leave', says Cannock Chase MP
Employers should be required by law to give new fathers six weeks' paid paternity leave, says a West Midland MP.
Josh Newbury. MP for Cannock Chase, is calling for an urgent change in the law to give new fathers more time with their children.
Mr Newbury, a father of two, said the UK offered the shortest statutory paternity leave in Europe, forcing many fathers to take annual leave instead of their statutory entitlement due to the financial strain of reduced pay.
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Self-employed fathers receive no statutory support at all, he added.
"As a father, I know how important those early weeks are in bonding with a newborn and supporting a partner," he said.
"Right now, too many dads are left choosing between time with their child or financial stability, with many being unable afford to take paternity leave at all.
"By extending paternity leave and pay to six weeks, we can ensure fathers take time off without losing income, while also helping mothers return to work sooner and narrowing the gender pay gap. It’s a win for families and for the economy."
Mr Newbury said studies quoted by The Dad Shift campaign estimate that a six-week paternity leave policy could boost the economy by £23 billion, increasing GDP by one per cent.
"The shift towards more equal rights for parents would enable mothers to return to work sooner or increase their hours, strengthening the workforce and reducing inequalities," he said.
"There is strong evidence that the current system is failing families. I'll continue to push for change in Westminster and encourage fathers to share their experiences with me."
Mr Newbury encouraged fathers to meet him at his weekly advice sessions held across the constituency to discuss the challenges they face.
He said they could get in touch by emailing josh.newbury.mp@parliament.uk or telephoning 01543 384681.
