Bury North MP, James Frith, has joined a nationwide campaign during Mental Health Awareness Week to highlight what he calls a 'crisis in fatherhood' driven by poor paternity rights in the UK.
He has taken a symbolic stand for better paternity rights by hanging baby grows on the statue of Sir Robert Peel in Bury town centre. The garments spelt out the message “Two weeks isn’t enough,” in a protest against the UK’s current statutory paternity leave, which campaigners say is the worst in Europe.
Frith was one of over 100 campaigners, including 15 MPs, who took part in coordinated actions at more than 100 locations across the country, ranging from sports stadiums to national landmarks, as part of a joint campaign led by The Dad Shift and men’s health charity Movember.
Timed to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week, the campaign draws attention to new research that reveals troubling mental health statistics for new fathers. Nearly half of UK dads (45%) experience at least two symptoms of anxiety or depression in the first year after their child is born.
Around one in 15 report suicidal thoughts, and one in 12 have experienced intrusive thoughts of harming their baby.
James Frith said the current paternity offer - two weeks at less than half the minimum wage - forces men to choose between being present for their child or paying the bills.
“If dads get what’s theirs, families are better off. Simple as that,” Frith said.
“Two weeks of paternity leave at barely half minimum wage isn’t cutting it. New dads are being forced to choose between earning enough to keep the lights on or being there for their newborns. That’s no kind of choice.”
“The bond between a father and child begins in those first days, weeks and months. That’s when trust is built. That’s when confidence grows. If we rob dads of that chance, we shortchange the whole family. Strong families make this country stronger.”
The research shows that 73% of fathers do not feel psychologically ready to return to work after just two weeks. Many report suffering from sleep deprivation and increased stress, and 70% say the short leave damaged their wellbeing. A further 86% believe it negatively affected their partner’s mental health.
Financially, the burden is steep: two weeks off can cost the average working father over £1,000, while new baby costs can reach £10,000 in the first year. Statutory paternity pay, which is currently £172.48 per week or 90% of average earnings (whichever is lower), covers less than half the cost of the average pram.
The Dad Shift and Movember are urging the government to incorporate improved, better-paid paternity leave into its forthcoming Men’s Health Strategy.
The campaign argues that family wellbeing and national productivity both benefit when new fathers are given time to bond with their child and support their partners.
Tragedy in Rochdale as man dies in police custody following arrest
Bikers to ride in memory of Lee Rigby and Scott Hetherington this Sunday
Royton residents worried about nine-month scheme after a series of roadworks cause mayhem
Oldham: Battle of the deputies - 'grubby political deals' and 'outdated gentlemen's agreements'
£500k repair scheme set to begin on Market Street Bridge in Bury
Three teenagers arrested on suspicion of arson after Bury moorland fire
Falinge Park High School unveils Arts, Words and Wellbeing Garden
Pride progress flag raised at Rochdale Town Hall ahead of IDAHOBIT
The ‘concrete volcano’ dumped off a footpath in Newhey
New Pegasus crossing boosts safety near Rochdale schools and Healey Dell
Young people urged to ‘fly high’ as local MP launches summer school
Police investigating 'anti semitic attack' at Prestwich office block
