FED-UP dads across Britain met today to call out a system that gives them barely any time with their newborns — and nothing at all if they’re self-employed.
More than 20 events were held in towns and cities across the country, from cafés and rugby clubs to zoos, as men slammed paternity rules and shared how the pressure is hitting home.
Josh SimonsLabour MP Josh Simons is leading a cross-party push to give dads a better deal[/caption]
Josh SimonsA meeting with dads and Labour MP Sarah Smith in Haslingden[/caption]
The day of action was coordinated by Labour MP Josh Simons, who is leading a cross-party push to give dads a better deal and recognition for the role they play.
The Makerfield MP said: “I know that men across the country care about their kids, their partners, and their work – they’re trying their best to make it work, and they’re struggling.
“Today was about letting Dads know that what they do is appreciated and celebrating their role in the family.”
The meetings were part of a national day of action marking 22 years since statutory paternity leave was introduced.
Since then, over 4 million babies have benefited from their dad being at home in the first two weeks — but campaigners say two weeks just isn’t enough.
And under current rules, dads who are self-employed get no paid leave at all, despite paying tax and National Insurance like everyone else.
George Gabriel, founder of campaign group The Dad Shift, said: “Most dads want to be there in those first days — but the system puts up barriers. It’s time we caught up.”
His group’s research also found that London dads take more paternity leave than the whole of Scotland, Wales and the North combined.
And 81 per cent of people surveyed said a good father should be hands-on in raising his children — not just working to provide.
Almost half said boys learn more about how to be a man from their dad’s involvement at home than from old-fashioned breadwinning alone.
The events were held in partnership with The Dad Shift and backed by rugby league players, mental health group Andy’s Man Club — and local MPs from across the political divide.
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