Editor's Note

At MAN&BOY, we believe children benefit when fathers are given every opportunity to be actively involved in their lives from the very start. The evidence is clear: fathers who are present during the early days and weeks of a child's life build stronger bonds with their children, provide vital support to their partners and establish patterns of involvement that can last a lifetime.

That is why we support the campaign for better paternity leave in the UK. The current entitlement of just two weeks' leave is simply not enough for many families. It sends the wrong message about the role fathers play and denies many parents the precious time they need to adjust to life with a new baby.

We are pleased to support The Dad Shift's campaign for six weeks of paternity leave paid at 90% of earnings. We believe this would be a significant step towards creating a society that values fatherhood, strengthens families and improves outcomes for children.

If you agree that fathers deserve more than a brief introduction to parenthood before returning to work, we encourage you to add your name to the campaign and help make better paternity leave a reality.  Together, we can send a clear message: children need their dads, and dads need time with their children.  Sign the petition here.

Campaigners Kick Up a Fuss for Better Paternity Leave

Outside Parliament, fathers took part in a football match with their children. But there was a catch. After just 10 minutes, the dads were forced to leave the pitch and watch from the sidelines while their children carried on playing. The message was simple: for many fathers, time with their children is cut short far too soon.

The stunt, organised by Movember and The Dad Shift, was designed to draw attention to the reality of statutory paternity leave in the UK. Each minute of the match represented one day of leave currently available to fathers and co-parents. After ten minutes, the whistle blew, the dads were benched, and "extra time" was denied. Campaigners say this reflects the experience of thousands of fathers who are expected to return to work long before they feel ready.

Every player wore the number six on their shirt, representing the campaign's call for six weeks of paternity leave paid at 90% of earnings. The proposal is backed by Movember and The Dad Shift, who argue that better leave would improve outcomes for fathers, mothers and children alike.

The stunt coincided with the launch of a new report examining the impact of paternity leave on men's health. The findings paint a concerning picture. According to polling commissioned by the campaign, 82% of fathers say better paternity leave is the single biggest thing government could do to support their mental health. Nearly half reported experiencing multiple symptoms of anxiety or depression during their baby's first year, while almost one in fifteen experienced suicidal thoughts.

Support for change appears widespread. Research published alongside the campaign found that 92% of Britons believe it is important for fathers to spend time with their babies during the early months of life, while 60% support increasing statutory paternity pay.

For MAN&BOY, the campaign raises a question that sits at the heart of modern fatherhood: if we say fathers matter, why are so many denied the time needed to bond with their children and support their partners during one of the most significant transitions of family life?

The UK currently offers eligible fathers and co-parents up to two weeks of statutory paternity leave, paid at a rate campaigners say is too low for many families to afford. The Dad Shift describes the current system as one of the weakest in Europe and argues that meaningful reform would benefit families, workplaces and society as a whole.

Add Your Voice

Movember and The Dad Shift are calling on the public to help "kick up a fuss" for better paternity leave.  If you believe fathers deserve more time to support their families, bond with their babies and protect their own wellbeing, you can add your name to the campaign today.

Sign the petition here and help send a message to government that two weeks simply isn't enough.

Because children don't get a second chance at those first precious weeks - and neither do dads.