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Story perspectives

UK Parental Leave Policy: A Decade of Lost Progress

12/25/2025

23 5 Full Breakdown

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Story summary
  • Experts label the UK's shared parental leave policy as a 'lost decade' of progress.
  • In the public sector, only 1.55% of leave requests were for SPL, and 2024-25 claims were 95% by fathers in the top half of earners.
  • Jo Swinson introduced the policy and acknowledges its shortcomings, citing low awareness and financial disincentives.
  • Campaigners call for reform, including better-paid leave for fathers and a review of the leave system.