New fathers across Europe experience vastly different entitlements to paternity leave, with the UK offering one of the least generous policies. A recent report highlights the disparity, prompting calls for reform and a re-evaluation of how much time off new dads receive to bond with their children and support their partners.
The UK’s Paternity Leave: A Stark Contrast
In the UK, new fathers and second parents in full-time employment are typically entitled to just two weeks of statutory paternity leave. The pay is equally modest, at £187.18 per week or 90% of average earnings, whichever is lower. This amount falls significantly below the National Living Wage, leading many, like Jamie Fox from Ashford, Kent, to describe the pay as "frankly pennies." This financial strain often forces partners to seek external support, as Jamie’s family did when his mother-in-law flew from Zimbabwe to help after his daughter’s birth. The frustration over these limited provisions recently led to a "dad strike" in Westminster, protesting the UK’s lagging policies compared to other European nations.
European Nations Lead the Way
Several European countries offer significantly more generous paternity leave, demonstrating a commitment to supporting new fathers:
- Spain: Since 2021, Spain has offered 16 weeks of fully paid paternity leave, including for the self-employed, with no salary cap. This policy has made parental leave equal for both mothers and fathers, allowing dads like Octavio to spend four months at home with their children, fostering stronger bonds.
- France: Paternity leave in France doubled in 2020, now offering four weeks. The first week is mandatory and employer-funded for the initial three days, with the state covering the rest. The remaining 21 days are optional and can be taken in chunks within six months, capped at €3,428 (£2,921) per month.
- Denmark: Dads in Denmark can take up to 24 weeks of fully paid leave, with 13 weeks transferable to the birth partner. André, who moved to Denmark from England, noted the prominent role of fathers in Danish society, with many dads actively involved in childcare from early on.
- Poland: While statutory paternity leave is two weeks at 100% pay, Poland also offers an additional nine weeks of non-transferable parental leave at 70% pay, available to both parents within the child’s first year. This flexibility allowed Kamil to support his wife’s return to work and build confidence as a father.
- Sweden: Sweden boasts one of the world’s most generous policies, allowing parents to share up to 480 days of leave, with 90 days specifically reserved for each parent on a "use-it-or-lose-it" basis. The first 390 days are paid at 80% by the government, up to a monthly cap of SEK47,750 (£3,590).
Key Takeaways
- The UK’s statutory paternity leave is among the least generous in Europe, both in terms of duration and pay.
- Countries like Spain, France, Denmark, Poland, and Sweden offer significantly more time off and better financial support for new fathers.
- Extended paternity leave fosters stronger father-child bonds and provides crucial support for mothers.
- Financial barriers are a major deterrent for UK fathers taking paternity leave, with statutory pay falling well below the cost of living.
- There are growing calls for the UK government to increase paternity pay and extend leave duration, with a recent report suggesting a phased approach to six weeks at 90% pay or more.
Calls for Change in the UK
Research indicates that only a small percentage of low-income fathers in the UK access enhanced employer-provided paternity leave. Alex Lloyd-Hunter, co-founder of The Dad Shift, highlights that "money is the single biggest barrier." A report by the Women and Equalities Committee (WEC) criticised the UK’s statutory pay as "completely out of kilter with the cost of living," recommending an increase to 90% or more and an extension to six weeks. The report also noted the complexity and low uptake of Shared Parental Leave, with many fathers unaware of the option. The Department for Business and Trade acknowledges the need for improvement and plans to review existing parental leave policies.
