Ministers consider paternity pay for self-employed fathers
Self-employed fathers in the UK may soon gain access to paternity pay as ministers evaluate reforms aimed at rectifying existing gaps that leave them without support after the birth of a child, reports BritPanorama.
Current regulations offer no paternity leave or pay to self-employed workers, such as bricklayers, electricians, and plumbers, while employed fathers are entitled to only two weeks of statutory pay unless their employers provide enhanced benefits.
The Deputy Prime Minister, David Lammy, expressed his support for potential changes during a recent Labour MPs meeting, stating he has consistently advocated for improved rights for new fathers. He acknowledged the stagnation in reform efforts but indicated a current review on the matter.
In addressing the Labour Group for Boys and Men, Lammy noted that officials would explore immediate reforms alongside those that require additional funding. He commented on the estimated £13.6 million cost to extend paternity pay to sole traders, suggesting that it is a feasible expenditure and calling for shared responsibility in these initiatives.
Campaigners assert that the proposed changes could benefit approximately 30,000 self-employed fathers each year who currently receive no paternity support. The MPs in the new Labour Group are publicly advocating for this development, highlighting the importance of fairness for self-employed tradespeople.
Alistair Strathern, MP for Hitchin and an aide to the Chancellor, remarked, “It can’t be right that those out grafting as self-employed tradesmen are completely cut out of paternity leave.” He emphasized the necessity for government action to address this disparity.
Other MPs echoed his sentiments. Hyndburn MP Sarah Smith noted that self-employed men often work long hours and take significant risks to support their families, calling for change. Portsmouth North MP Amanda Martin argued that these workers deserve the same rights to support their partners and bond with their newborns as employed fathers.
George Gabriel, co-founder of The Dad Shift, reiterated the benefits of paternity leave, stating it positively impacts fathers, mothers, and infants alike. Lee Wilcox, CEO of On The Tools, emphasized the essential role of tradespeople in society and highlighted the disparity in family support provided to them compared to others.
A government spokesperson acknowledged that the current parental leave system requires improvement, indicating that an ongoing review will examine the challenges faced by self-employed dads.
The proposed reforms come amidst increasing scrutiny of paternity policies and the pressing need to equalize support for all fathers in the UK.
Efforts to reform paternity leave for self-employed individuals underscore broader discussions regarding parental rights and support structures within the UK’s evolving labour framework.
