Lib Dems pledge extra four weeks of paternity leave

The Liberal Democrats have pledged to extend paternity leave from two to six weeks, under manifesto plans unveiled today.

It means parental leave would be extended to 58 weeks in total.

The new policy goes further than the Government's introduction of shared parental leave, which means mothers and fathers can split an entitlement of 52 weeks between them.

A parent taking up to 26 weeks off is then entitled to return to the job they were working in before their child's birth.

Read: How will the reforms affect my parental leave?

Giving fathers a 'use it or lose it' six weeks of paternity leave will encourage them to play a key role in the early life of their children, according to a Lib Dem minister.

The party is pledging to give fathers and mothers each six weeks of time off work, with another 46 weeks of leave to be shared between the parents as they see fit.

Business and Equalities Minister Jo Swinson said: "It is a nonsense to think it is only the mother's job to look after children. Parenting is a shared responsibility."

"The 'use it or lose' it six weeks will establish the important role of dads early on, and encourage couples to use the full flexibility on offer," she added.