Increased Pay for New Fathers
As of April 2025, the statutory paternity pay will increase to £200 paternity pay per week, an increase from £184.03. Based on inflation and the 2024 cost of living crisis, the £200 cap will bring some relief to new fathers. The rate will continue to be payable for a maximum of 2 weeks. Like before, fathers or partners will be allowed to take whichever amount is lower, either £200 or 90% of their average earnings.
Experts welcomed the increase stating it will bring new relief to families, paternity pay will still lag behind inflation-adjusted living wages for the majority. The criticism comes from the reality that the new amount of £200 still lagging behind the average weekly pay.
Flexibility on Leave
Another noticeable modification is the flexibility on ways to take paternity leave.
Fathers still need to take their one or two weeks leave as a single block within 56 days of the child’s birth or adoption. Starting next year, leave will be split into two separate one-week periods, permitting fathers to better assist during recovery, while still supporting the later stages of parenting.
Down to Earth Employment Law practitioners feel this change has been made noticing the change in the family as well as the modern world of work. The staggered leave might allow better coordination of health needs or childcare services.
Eligibility Criteria Remain in Place
Not all fathers and partners expecting a child will be eligible. As prior, it has to do with the employment history with the same company for 26 weeks by the 15th week to the due date and earning a minimum of £123 a week.
Self-employed still do not qualify, but the government has said wider changes to parental rights of freelancers and contractors will be considered in later discussions.
One Step Toward Balanced Help from Both Parents?
These changes come alongside increasing the United Kingdom’s imbalance of statutory maternity leave and paternity leave.
Family organizations argue the raising of pay and the introduction of more flexible scheduling is progress towards equality, but to achieve true equality, longer paid paternity leave and higher pay thresholds will be necessary.
Many fathers looking forward to the 2025 reforms will enjoy the ability to spend more time at home without significantly impacting the family budget. Only time will tell if these changes will lead to other significant reforms.
