CYP Now - Policy & Practice: Policy into Practice - Fathers need a modern paternity pay package

The role of fathers in bringing up their children has become a major policy issue, with recent government reforms supporting further involvement. Cultural expectations of fathers have shifted with time but the support for working fathers has not always kept pace. A pertinent example of this is found in the issue of paternity pay. If the 21st century dad is to be the modern hands-on model expected of him then policy on paternity pay needs to reflect this.

While the introduction of paternity pay is a great step forward it still lags desperately behind maternity support. Fathers are currently entitled to take two weeks paid paternity leave at 102.80 a week. Mothers on the other hand can have six weeks leave at 90 per cent of their normal pay, followed by 20 weeks at 102.80, and a further period of unpaid leave. Crucially, there is no policy allowing couples to transfer maternity entitlements to fathers if couples so wish.

With the amount of paternity pay representing only a fraction of the father's salary many fathers just can't afford to take it.

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