Two weeks isn’t enough

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About us

The Dad Shift is a group of men, dads and other parents campaigning for better paternity leave in the UK

The UK’s pat leave problem

The UK’s statutory paternity leave is bad. Really bad. In fact, it’s the worst in Europe.

Dads and non-birthing parents get only two weeks off, paid at less than half the minimum wage. Self employed people get nothing.

There’s now loads of evidence that this is bad for everyone: mums, dads, kids, and society as a whole.

Worst in Europe!

We are calling for paternity leave that is:

Substantial

Gives dads enough time off to support their partner and bond with their kids, without taking leave away from mums.

Affordable

Is paid at a rate that means everyone can afford to take it, with self-employed people getting paid too.

Equal

Gives both parents equal leave, so mums and dads are free to shape their own roles in the family, not have them dictated by gender.

Here’s what you can do

  • The Government is reviewing parental leave right now. If we’re going to influence the review and get the best deal possible, we need thousands of us to call publicly for better paternity leave. Start by signing the petition:

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  • Our friendly WhatsApp community is where Dad Shift supporters discuss the campaign and sign up to take part in stunts and actions. Join it now:

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It’s not the 1950s anymore

The evidence is clear - proper pat leave is:

Good for mums

Reduces the gender pay gap and rates of postpartum depression

Good for dads

Leads to better bonding with our kids and happier, healthier lives

Good for children

Improves kids’ wellbeing and performance at school

Donate to the campaign

We need to raise funds to reach more people and grow the impact of the campaign. Can you chip in a few pounds now?

Donate now

This is a fight for all parents

We’re campaigning for substantial, affordable and equal leave for both parents in every relationship - same-sex, heterosexual, or adoptive - and for self-employed people.

Get your paterni-tee

Support the fight for better paternity leave and look good doing it! Our t-shirts are ethically made from 100% organic cotton and all profits go to funding the campaign.

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