The answer, according to a group of cross-party MPs, is that the UK system is one of the worst in Europe. It is entrenched with outdated gender stereotypes, according to a report issued by the Women and Equalities Committee.
The Department for Business and Trade has announced that the UK government is now reviewing the position to decide how to support UK employees with families.
In the UK, employees are entitled to statutory paternity leave. This is simply two weeks off for new fathers or partners, regardless of gender. It applies after the birth of a child, adoption, or surrogacy. Those qualifying for the entitlement will receive £187.18 a week or 90% of their average earnings, whichever is lower. The position on paternity leave has not progressed since its introduction in 2003.
Let us compare this to Europe. In France, working fathers are entitled to 28 days leave with full pay. In Spain, the position is more generous, with fathers being entitled to 16 weeks off work at full pay. In Sweden, families are entitled to 480 days of paid parental leave, with 90 days given to new fathers.
The Women and Equalities Committee commented on shared parental leave. This entitles parents to share 50 weeks of leave and 37 weeks of pay after the birth or adoption of a child. The Women and Equalities Committee found the process for applying for this leave was overly complex and confusing for employees to comprehend, and almost 45% of fathers were unaware of the right to shared parental leave.
A government review on parental leave entitlements is due in July 2025. The government has indicated that they will abolish the rule requiring fathers to have 26 weeks’ employment to be entitled to paternity leave.
If you need any further advice or help, please do not hesitate to contact the Quest HR Advice Line on 01455 852028.
