Hundreds of dads to march through Leeds calling for overhaul of paternity leave

Hundreds of fathers are expected to push prams through Leeds city centre this weekend to call on the Government to “fix the UK’s broken parental leave system”.

Part of Equal Parenting Week, the Push for Paternity Leave march is one of four taking place across the UK this Saturday (May 2), with others held in London, Manchester, and Nottingham.

Hundreds of dads, their partners, and well-known influencers will take part in the march, organisers Parenting Out Loud said, demanding changes to what they describe as the UK’s outdated parental leave policy.

“The vast majority of fathers want to be equal parents. Yet in the UK, most are entitled to just two weeks of paternity leave paid at £194.32 a week,” the organisers added. “For many families, this makes meaningful involvement at the start of a child’s life financially impossible.

“It also leaves the mother in sole care of the baby when recovering from birth - and sometimes from major abdominal surgery - which comes with a six-week healing period - the maths doesn't add up.

“Evidence from countries with more generous paternity leave shows clear benefits. It reduces the gender pay gap, improves the mental and physical health of mothers, strengthens relationships, benefits children’s development, and increases fathers’ life satisfaction.”

The Push for Paternity Leave Walk will start on Briggate at 11am and proceed to Civic Hall in Millennium Square.

There, a line-up of speakers including Mark Sewards MP, Cllr Jordan Bowden (Equities, Health & Wellbeing), Cllr Andrew Scopes (Child Friendly Leeds), Olumide Ajulo (Student Counselling Manager, Leeds Beckett University), Dr Sharon Prince (Synergi Leeds, Black Mental Health Project), and Dr Mo Sattar (GP and radio host), will voice their support for the campaign.

The march is being organised by Parenting Out Loud, Growth Spurt, and a coalition of local organisations including Leeds Dads.

“Fathers are ready to step up, but the system is holding them back. Two weeks of poorly paid leave sends a clear message that dads are optional. ” said Errol Murray, founder of Leeds Dads.

“We are marching to show that equal parenting is not a ‘nice to have’. It is essential for families, men’s health, women’s equality, and for children’s futures. This march will show that dads have had enough, they want and need better and it’s time for the Government to listen”