Story perspectives

Protests Erupt Over Paternity Leave Inequities for Self-Employed Dads

3/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

Westminster hosts UK construction workers protesting self-employed fathers' paternity leave.
They will distribute condoms bearing the slogan 'this lasts longer than our paternity leave'.
Campaigners including Alistair Strathern and Amanda Martin say self-employed fathers deserve support, noting no paternity leave while employed parents have two weeks.
They estimate extending paternity leave would cost £13.6–£37.7 million annually, and note self-employed mothers receive maternity allowance for up to 39 weeks.

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Story summary

Westminster hosts UK construction workers protesting self-employed fathers' paternity leave.
They will distribute condoms bearing the slogan 'this lasts longer than our paternity leave'.
Campaigners including Alistair Strathern and Amanda Martin say self-employed fathers deserve support, noting no paternity leave while employed parents have two weeks.
They estimate extending paternity leave would cost £13.6–£37.7 million annually, and note self-employed mothers receive maternity allowance for up to 39 weeks.