UK & Ireland Policy

Mothers' Union policy work reflects the constantly changing political agenda. Whilst there are key areas in which it is always active, Mothers' Union also responds to emerging issues around family life.

In our policy work we communicate the views of Mothers' Union members through various channels of influence. Our members bring a wealth of experience, facts, briefings, discussions and other resources to inform our opinions and statements. Centrally Mothers' Union brings this information together. It is then presented to governments and other policymaking bodies, as well as to members in order to resource their political engagement at all levels of society.

Issues that we are currently examining are:

             • Consultation on Additional Paternity Leave

The Government is planning to increase the amount of paternity leave fathers can take following the birth of their child. Currently men can take off the two weeks following the birth of their child, paid at the flat rate of £123.06 per week. With legislation to be introduced in April 2010, men with a child due from April 2011 will be able to take an additional six months paternity leave if the mother returns to work after six months maternity leave. The father will be able to claim pay for up to the 9th month of the child’s life and unpaid leave following that. This will be paid at the same rate as maternity pay.

The Government carried out a consultation on the administration of additional paternity leave, to which Mothers’ Union responded and which can be downloaded below. The Government consultation paper can be found at http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file52940.pdf

Archive: Consultation Documents