Cannock Chase MP calls for review on parental leave

The government has launched a review of parental leave after calls from Cannock Chase MP, Josh Newbury, to change the law and require all employers to offer six week's paternity pay for new fathers. Josh Newbury MP is an out gay, married man and father raising a daughter with his husband.

He said: "As a father, I know how important those early weeks are in bonding with a new-born and supporting a partner.

"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."

Josh Newbury MP, Cannock Chase

He added that studies by The Dad Shift campaign suggested that a six-week paternity leave policy could boost the economy by £23 billion, increasing GDP by one per cent.

Josh explains: "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.”

Government ministers said the review of parental leave will look at the whole system – from maternity and paternity leave to shared parental leave – to examine how it can work better for parents in today’s society, their employers, and boost the country’s economic growth.

A spokesman for the government said the present system was complicated and didn’t always give families the support they needed. One in three new fathers don’t take paternity leave because they can’t afford to, and take-up of shared parental leave is also low.

The review will gather views from parents, employers and experts across the UK, which will be used to draw up a plan for possible reforms.

Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner added: “Those early years are the most special time for families, but too many struggle to balance their work and home lives.

“Supporting working parents isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s vital for our economy. This ambitious review will leave no stone unturned as we deliver for working families."