Labour MPs push Andy Burnham to support enhanced statutory paternity leave

The short version

• A total of 105 Labour MPs have signed a letter pressing Andy Burnham to enhance statutory paternity leave ahead of the upcoming budget.[The Guardian]
• The lawmakers propose offering six weeks of paternity leave paid at 90% of earnings, which they argue could stimulate £2.6bn in economic growth.[The Guardian]
• The UK currently provides two weeks of statutory leave at £187.18 weekly, placing it 40th out of 43 OECD countries.[The Guardian]
• A comprehensive government review examining parental leave and pay policies is scheduled for release in December.[The Guardian]

Key facts

• A total of 105 Labour MPs wrote to Andy Burnham urging an expansion to statutory paternity leave in the next budget.[The Guardian]
• Nearly half of Labour's 403 MPs have indicated clear support for reforms to paternity leave.[The Guardian]
• The MPs' letter requests six weeks of leave paid at 90% of earnings, estimating it could yield £2.6bn in economic growth.[The Guardian]
• Employed fathers in the UK currently qualify for two weeks of leave at £187.18 per week, ranking the country 40th among 43 OECD members.[The Guardian]
• A government spokesperson confirmed an active parental pay and leave review is underway, with findings expected in December.[The Guardian]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Pressure grows on Burnham to commit to increasing statutory paternity leaveThe Guardian - World