Budget expands paternity leave to self-employed fathers

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 28 Oct, 15:12 · Archive

The Budget will extend paid paternity leave to self-employed fathers for the first time.

The government Budget will extend paid paternity leave to self-employed fathers and non-birthing parents for the first time, with MPs welcoming the move. Approximately 150,000 fathers across the UK will become eligible for two weeks of paid leave following a birth, paid at £194 per week.

The expansion comes after a campaign by pressure group The Dad Shift, which has been supported by Hyndburn MP Sarah Smith in her role as co-chair of the Labour Group for Men and Boys. Lancaster MP Cat Smith has also welcomed the change.

Currently, employed fathers must have worked for 26 weeks up to the day of birth and earned an average of £516 per month to qualify for paternity pay. They receive the lowest of either £194 weekly or 90 per cent of their earnings. The Budget will remove the employment requirement, extending the same provisions to self-employed fathers.

How it is being reported

• Lancaster MP welcomes new Budget’s introduction of paternity pay for self-employed dadsLancaster MP Cat Smith has welcomed the expansion of paternity pay to self-employed fathers and non-birthing parents for the very first time in the new Budget.Lancaster Guardian · 28 Oct, 14:25
• Hyndburn MP claims Budget 'win' over paternity leave expansionThousands of expectant fathers are set to receive a major paternity leave boost as the result of a campaign by the Hyndburn MP Sarah Smith.Lancashire Telegraph · 27 Oct, 15:00

In this story: Sarah Smith · Cat Smith · John Healey · Andy Burnham · The Dad Shift · Labour Group for Men and Boys · UK

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