As one of her final policy reviews prior to leaving her position, Theresa May could offer fathers 12 weeks’ paid paternity leave which has been reported in several newspapers.
The plan discussed is yet to be confirmed but would be a dramatic increase on the current two weeks’ statutory allowance of £148.68 per week or 90% of usual pay, whichever is lower.
The Extension to parental leave for fathers was first proposed in a report by the Women and Equalities Committee last year amongst other parental recommendations and suggested the 12 weeks could be a better way to encourage fathers to take longer periods of leave and spend more time with their new baby.
Shared parental leave was created during the period of the coalition government as a key part of their childcare policy but has so far seen comparatively low take-up where no enhancements are offered, with only 9,200 new parents taking it last year – just 1% of those who were eligible to do so.
There has however been concerns around the proposed possible change and MP Kevin Hollinrake who was instrumental in the Bereavement pay and leave legislation expressed concern about the impact of offering a longer period of leave on small businesses.
He told The Sun on Sunday: “Firms are under huge pressure whether it’s paying the national living wage or coping to keep up with crippling business rates.
“Small to medium-sized firms need time to adjust and the measures will need to be properly consulted on.”
