Why Paternity Leave is Failing FamiliesWith Alex Lloyd Hunter

Many dads feel under-supported in their role as fathers because traditional gender norms still often place the primary caregiving focus on mothers. While times are slowly changing, many workplaces offer limited paternity leave, making it difficult for dads to bond with their newborns in those crucial early weeks. Even when paternity leave is available, there can be pressure—social or professional—to return to work quickly, reinforcing the outdated idea that a father’s primary role is financial rather than emotional. Without strong support systems, from employers to parenting communities, many dads struggle to feel included and confident in their role, missing out on key bonding opportunities that are so important for both them and their children. 

This week I am joined by Alex Lloyd Hunter a UK-based advocate for improved paternity leave and co-founder of The Dad Shift, an organisation dedicated to campaigning for better paternity leave policies in the UK. After becoming a dad, he recognised the significant barriers that limited fathers' involvement in bonding with and caring for their family. The UK's statutory paternity leave offers just two weeks at a rate of £184 per week, one of the least supportive in Europe. 

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