Paternity Leave In The UK

Last Updated On: 29 December 2025

I imagine the paternity at your company is switched on, alive and kicking in the 21^st century here in 2025.

Yet these stats show how much the UK is lagging behind many other European countries:

“… statistically most fathers are entitled to 2-weeks of statutory paternity leave. 

The statutory rate currently paid is £187.18 per week or 90% of average weekly earnings, whichever is lower.” If they can afford to.

A significant number of fathers, around one in three, choose not to take any paternity leave at all, due to financial constraints.”

I’m pleased to hear Labour are talking about it…

Although it’s not gone unnoticed the announcement comes on the day the vote on the disabilities bill is taking place, where their integrity is once again called into question.

Dads Are Different Now

On the upside it’s pleasing to see them recognize that dads today have generally left the belt and braces stereotype mine was aligned with down the pub – leaving the little woman to get on with it – complications be damned.

Absent dads leave a tranche of issues in their wake.

But dads today have stepped into the fray, they actively want to be part of their children’s life and maybe government bodies are beginning to join some dots in terms of future outcomes and the importance of the family unit.

But we can’t wait for them, companies must play their part and recognize the benefits to them of supporting equitable parenting and how much recognizing and bridging the gap between family and work has huge returns, in reciprocity and mutual respect, which does have to be earned far more than it can ever be commanded.

What Would You Like To See Change

Good mention today, despite all the other news features, this is the one we can all well and truly welcome as it brings the conversation to the fore?

What would you like to see the government change on this front that makes for more equitable parenting, that companies welcome with open arms in terms of bridging the gap between family and work and the huge benefits that brings personally and societally?