Retail employers including Marks & Spencer and Tesco have increased the length of paid paternity leave available to staff, a shift that has drawn attention to wide differences in parental benefits across the economy and renewed pressure on the government to improve the statutory offer.
Retail changes
Marks & Spencer, the food and clothing retailer, raised its paternity leave entitlement from two weeks to six weeks at full pay in 2024. The company says the change has already benefited employees; M&S staff member Joe Erskine said being able to take six weeks’ paid paternity leave, flexibly, "made a huge difference to me and my family, giving me the time to support my partner and settle into being a new parent." Tesco is among the other major retailers now offering six weeks of paid paternity leave.
Sectoral divide
The moves by large retail chains have highlighted contrasts with sectors such as construction and agriculture, where paid paternity leave remains far less generous and employers have been slower to change policies. The differences have prompted debate about fairness between industries and the ability of workers in some sectors to take extended leave after the birth of a child.
Calls for stronger statutory provision
Those following the issue say the private-sector changes have increased momentum for reform of the government’s statutory paternity framework. Proponents argue that a higher statutory minimum could reduce disparities between sectors and make it easier for more fathers to take paid leave, while opponents caution about costs and implementation for smaller employers.
Outlook
As prominent employers in retail publicise more generous packages, analysts and advocates will be watching to see whether other large employers follow suit and whether ministers respond with changes to the statutory entitlement. The debate is likely to centre on balancing support for new parents with the practical and financial implications for businesses across different industries.