Hewitt wants higher paternity pay
27 Oct 04
Industry Secretary believes new fathers should have 90 per cent of pay on leave
Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt believes that new fathers should be entitled to close on full pay when taking paternity leave.
Ms Hewitt would like to see the current entitlement of about £100 a week during the two weeks' leave to which fathers are entitled, rise to 90 per cent of salary, payable by employers.
The proposal, made at a "gender summit" in Downing Street yesterday, could form part of the Labour manifesto at the next general election.
In addition new mothers could find their maternity entitlement rise from six to a total of 12 months.