Fathers across the UK are planning a historic protest outside the Department for Business and Trade in London on 11 June—babies strapped to their chests—to demand better paternity rights.
Dubbed the world’s first “Dad Strike,” the protest is being organised by campaign group The Dad Shift to spotlight what they call the UK’s “embarrassingly poor” statutory paternity leave—the worst in Europe.
Currently, eligible fathers are entitled to just two weeks off work, paid at less than half the minimum wage. Self-employed dads? They get nothing. Compare that to eligible mothers, who receive 90% of their average weekly earnings for six weeks, followed by £187.18 for up to 33 weeks.
Campaigners say this inequality is at the heart of ongoing maternity discrimination. If fathers aren’t supported to care for their children, mothers will continue to be penalised for doing so.
“From the moment our children are born, we’re forced to choose between earning a living or being present. It’s a broken system,” said George Gabriel, a father and co-founder of The Dad Shift.
The protest comes amid growing anger that Labour’s proposed employment rights bill includes a “day one” right to paternity leave—but no guarantee of pay.
A Crisis of Care
New research from The Dad Shift reveals that in the first year of life, British fathers spend 57% fewer waking hours with their children than mothers—just 1,403 hours, compared to 3,293. The reason? Most can’t afford the financial hit of taking time off.
“No more gritting our teeth and pushing through,” said Pete Target, a father and local government worker. “I remember being wrenched away from my newborn after two weeks. It was awful. I want other dads to know they’re not alone in this.”
Companies Leading the Way—But Government Lags Behind
While UK law stagnates, some companies are setting a new standard. The BBC and Aviva both offer up to 52 weeks of leave for co-parents, with Aviva offering six months on full pay. But many big-name employers—including Barclays, HSBC, and KPMG—still offer just two weeks at full pay.
Polling commissioned by The Dad Shift shows 86% of people believe children do better when both parents are equally involved in caregiving—yet in most households, mothers still do the school runs and nursery pickups.
Support Grows for the Strike
Brands and businesses are beginning to get behind the movement. Creative agency The Romans and trade platform On The Tools have pledged to give dads time off to join the protest.
“So many dads in our industry feel like they’re missing out on key moments,” said Lee Wilcox, CEO of On The Tools. “We’re proud to support this.”
A Call to Action
Marvyn Harrison, creator of Dope Black Dads and father of two, believes this is about more than just leave—it’s about redefining masculinity and fatherhood.
“Men have been conditioned to over-commit to the workplace and under-commit to family life,” he said. “This strike is a wake-up call.”
The UK currently ranks 40th out of 43 OECD countries for paternity support. Campaigners are calling for six weeks of well-paid leave for all new dads and non-birthing partners in the child’s first year.
“This isn’t just about time off,” said Gabriel. “It’s about time together—and that’s something every family should have.”
Want to join the strike?
📍 London, 11 June, outside the Department for Business and Trade
🍼 Bring your baby, your banner—and your voice.
