Six weeks for dads | New report calls for overhaul of UK paternity leave offer

A new report 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, from the Institute for Policy Research at the University of Bath, 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.

Dr Joanna Clifton-Sprigg from the Department of Economics said: “This is a win for families, businesses and the economy. Fathers want to be more involved and mothers want to stay connected to work.