Lib Dems and Labour promise to increase paternity leave
Joe Lepper
Friday, May 12, 2017
The Liberal Democrats have pledged to offer fathers an additional month's paid paternity leave as part of efforts to boost shared parental responsibility, exceeding proposals set out in Labour's draft manifesto.
The Lib Dems said the commitment, which would extend the current two weeks' of paternity leave to six weeks, aims to build on the entitlement to shared parental leave, which the party introduced two years ago while in coalition government, in order to offer families "greater flexibility" when their child is born.
Jo Swinson, who was involved with the introduction of the parental leave policy as a minister in the coalition government, said extending parental leave for fathers is a "massive step towards more quality parenting and recognising the vital role that fathers play".
"But more needs to be done in order to encourage men to take leave when they become a dad, to bond with their child during the early weeks and months of their life," said Swinson, who is standing as a Lib Dem candidate in next month's election, attempting to regain the seat she lost in 2015.
"Research shows that fathers being more involved in their children's lives is good for children's development and good for the health and happiness of the whole family.
"That is why the Liberal Democrats want to give dads across the country the chance to spend more time with their children."
Liberal Democrat business spokesperson Susan Kramer said offering greater flexibility to families would make them more motivated in the workplace, in turn benefitting employers.
"Creating a fair system for parents everywhere not only benefits new mums and dads but also helps our business sector," she said.
"Having a workforce that is both more flexible and more motivated will benefit UK businesses greatly.
Shared parental leave was introduced in the Children and Families Act 2014 and allows parents to divide up 52 weeks between them, in addition to 39 weeks of statutory shared parental pay.
The Labour Party also looks set to commit to boosting parental leave for fathers. The party's leaked draft manifesto includes pledges to double paid paternity leave to four weeks as well as increase paternity pay.
The leaked document also features plans to extend 30-hour free childcare to all two-year-olds, and provide "significant capital investment" in early years to ensure there are enough places to meet demand.
