Paternity leave
Councils are currently increasing fully paid paternity leave for employees.
Lewisham Council is set to review its parental leave policy, aiming to introduce a minimum of six weeks' fully paid paternity or adoption leave for eligible parents. This change was agreed during a Council meeting in September 2026, following a motion to champion the council as a family-friendly employer. Islington Council approved a similar enhancement in July 2026, increasing its paternity and adoption leave to six weeks fully paid for all eligible employees.
The Islington Council decision, made in July 2026, followed a debate on the benefits of extended paternity leave for family well-being and gender equality. No upcoming meetings are currently scheduled to discuss paternity leave. Paternity leave is time off granted to fathers or second parents following the birth or adoption of a child.
Key facts
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.