On 15 June 2023, three groups namely the Centre for Progressive Policy (CPP), Pregnant Then Screwed (PTS) and Women in Data, published their collaborative report on the social and economic impact associated with extended paternity leave and pay. Currently in the UK, the statutory entitlement to paternity leave is capped at two weeks, with the weekly rate for paternity pay amounting to the lower of £172.48 per week or 90% of average weekly earnings. Cooperation and Development (OECD) data reveals that countries with more than 6 weeks of paid paternity leave have a 4% lower gender pay gap than countries with less than 6 weeks. To align with statutory maternity pay, the campaign groups mentioned are calling for the government to increase paternity leave to a minimum of 6 weeks to be paid at 90% of income. With PTS having successfully campaigned during the pandemic for childcare bubbles, prioritisation of pregnant women for the Covid-19 vaccine and a grant for low income parents, it will be interesting to see if this latest campaign will gain traction with the government.

Source: The Guardian August 09, 2023 10:46 UTC