UK Fathers Fight Back Against Minimal Paternity Leave
When it comes to parental leave, there’s no universal standard, leaving many parents in a frustrating situation. UK fathers, among the least fortunate in Europe with minimal paternity leave, have decided to voice their concerns through a unique and creative protest. Discover how these fathers are challenging the status quo and raising awareness about the dire need for better parental leave policies. Could this be the spark that ignites change? Read on to find out! 🎉👶
Paternity leave varies from country to country and company to company.
Some offer 2 weeks, while others provide up to 52 weeks for new fathers! Given this variability, one is tempted to start working in the country or company that offers the most generous leave.
When looking at paternity leave in Europe, we see that the country with the least paternity leave is the United Kingdom.
In the UK, new fathers are given only two weeks of leave, during which they receive a weekly payment of £184.03. Recent research shows that one-third of fathers in the UK choose not to take leave after the birth, and half of those who do take leave face financial difficulties later.
To raise awareness about this issue, fathers in England have started a new movement called Dad Shift!
Participants in the Dad Shift movement have come up with a creative solution to highlight the low paternity leave.
Toy babies have been tied to the arms of famous male statues across the country.
So far, statues of renowned engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, actors Laurence Olivier and Gene Kelly, and footballers Thierry Henry and Tony Adams have been given a toy baby each.
Fathers involved in the Dad Shift movement are demanding "affordable, sufficient-duration leave that ensures equality among parents."
The movement asserts, 'Leave for fathers is beneficial for babies, mothers, fathers, and society.' They are determined to send an open letter to the Prime Minister at the end of this month.
Some countries, like Spain, provide fathers with the same amount of leave given to mothers.
Sweden also offers similar leave to adoptive parents. However, countries like the United States and New Zealand do not have any paid paternity leave.
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