Rejected petition Increase statutory paternity leave from 2 weeks to 6 weeks on full pay.

To increase statutory paternity leave to 6 weeks, full pay & separate from maternity leave. 2 weeks is not enough for fathers to bond with their baby, support the mother or adjust to parenthood. The change would improve mental health & support family life without compromising maternal recovery.

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Longer, paid paternity leave supports gender equality,maternal recovery & child development. It helps fathers bond, reduces health risks & ensures parents can adjust without sacrificing maternity time & pay. Most can’t afford leave. A modern policy must be paid, protected & separate from maternity leave. Becoming a parent is one of the BIGGEST life changes anyone can face. Fathers are at risk of depression & emotional stress—especially when trying to balance work, family & wellbeing.

This petition was rejected

Why was this petition rejected?

There’s already a petition about this issue. We cannot accept a new petition when we already have one about a very similar issue.

You are more likely to get action on this issue if you sign and share a single petition.

You may wish to sign this petition which calls for a similar action: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/708707

We only reject petitions that don’t meet the petition standards.

Date submitted 27 May 2025
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