Six Weeks for Dads: New Report Calls for Overhaul of UK Paternity Leave Offer 

Published: 30 Jun 2025

A new report from the Institute for Policy Research at the University of Bath, supported by Working Families and the Fatherhood Institute, calls on the UK government to introduce six weeks of well-paid leave for fathers in their baby’s first year, arguing the move would promote gender equality, support working families and boost economic growth. 

Currently, fathers in the UK are entitled to just two weeks of leave, often poorly paid. As a result, women continue to shoulder most of the care burden after childbirth.  

The report finds that extending the paternity leave earmarked for fathers to six weeks – paid at 90% of average earnings and available from day one of employment – could deliver net social benefits of up to £12.8 billion annually. 

Key findings from the report show that: 

• In the UK women’s employment drops by 15 percentage points around childbirth. Men’s work patterns remain unchanged. 

• International evidence from Quebec, Sweden and Iceland shows that dedicated, well-paid leave for fathers leads to greater sharing of care, earlier returns to work by mothers, and long-term equality gains. 

• Businesses can benefit too – from improved staff retention, employee wellbeing and productivity. 

At Working Families, we regularly hear from parents about the urgent need for better parental leave and this new research shows the wider economic and societal benefits of improved statutory paternity leave. Our own research shows the current system is falling short <link to Index>, with one in five fathers having no access to parental leave at all, and many others unable to take what they’re entitled to due to financial pressures. 

The new report recommends that the government introduces six weeks’ flexible leave for fathers, paid at 90% of average earnings (capped at £1,200/week), available from day one of employment, and taken within the baby’s first year. 

Other recommendations include aligning paternity and SPL policies and exploring how solo leave for fathers can shift workplace and household norms. 

Co-author Dr Alistair Hunt from the Department of Economics said:

Six weeks of well-paid leave for dads in their baby’s first year is a crucial first step—but real progress on gender equality will take smart policy design and a cultural shift in how we view caregiving. Encouraging fathers to take leave at different times, not just alongside mothers, is key to lasting change.

Simon Kelleher, Head of Policy and Engagement at Working Families comments:

To truly level the playing field, we must strengthen statutory paternity leave so all workers, regardless of income or employer, can access the support they need in their child’s first year. Giving fathers the opportunity to care from day one supports mothers, enabling a more equal sharing of responsibilities, easing the mental load, and empowering both parents to thrive at home and at work. It lays the foundations for healthier families and a more equitable, productive society.