Closed petition: Equal Parental Leave for Fathers: Reform UK statutory Paternity leave Policies

Closed on 20 July 2025

We want the Government to introduce equal statutory parental leave for fathers, matching statutory maternity leave duration. We think this would ensure fathers can fully support their partners during recovery, bond with their children, and promote equality in caregiving and workplace rights.

We think current statutory paternity leave of two weeks is inadequate, especially when partners require longer recovery periods, such as after Caesarean sections. Fathers play a key role in caregiving and household responsibilities but we feel have to return to work prematurely, which may create emotional and financial strain. We think equal parental leave would promote family well-being, reduce gender inequality, and ensure fathers can bond with their children and support their partners effectively.