In a groundbreaking move, Ian Murray, the Scottish Secretary, is set to become the first cabinet minister in the UK to take a full two weeks of paternity leave. Murray and his wife Mariam are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their second child in the coming weeks. The couple, who are already proud parents to their 4-year-old daughter Zola, see this as an opportunity to not only spend precious time bonding as a family but also to shine a spotlight on the importance of paternity leave for new fathers.
Murray’s decision comes at a pivotal time as the Labour government prepares to introduce sweeping new workplace rights for parents. Under the proposed “new deal for workers” agenda, employees will be entitled to parental leave from day one of their employment, along with more flexible working arrangements for both partners and bereavement leave.
Breaking Down Barriers: Culture Shift Needed
While the legal right to paternity leave has existed for some time, Murray emphasizes that the biggest hurdle for many new fathers is the prevailing workplace culture. “Taking that time off is hugely critical for a number of reasons: to be with them, to also bond with the child, and to take the pressure off mum,” Murray explains. He hopes that by leading by example, he can help shift attitudes and empower more dads to take the leave they are entitled to without fear of professional repercussions.
I think it’s really important for dads to know they can a) take it and b) the culture can change.
Ian Murray, Scottish Secretary
UK Lags Behind in Parental Leave Rights
Despite Murray’s historic move, campaigners argue that the UK still has a long way to go when it comes to parental leave rights. The charity Pregnant Then Screwed points out that the UK has some of the worst paternity leave laws in Europe, with fathers entitled to just one or two weeks off at a paltry £184.03 per week or 90% of their pay, whichever is lower. In contrast, countries like Spain offer 16 weeks of fully paid leave for new dads, while Swedish parents can share an impressive 480 days.
- Estonia: 30 days paternity leave
- France: 4 weeks paternity leave
- Norway: 15 weeks paternity leave
- Iceland: 12 months shared parental leave
Calls for Expanded Parental Rights
Advocates are urging the Labour government to go further in its reforms, calling for a minimum of six weeks paternity leave at 90% of full salary. MP Stella Creasy has tabled an amendment to the employment bill seeking to extend protected leave to same-sex and non-binary couples as well. Pregnant Then Screwed’s head of policy in Scotland, Carole Erskine, says Murray’s announcement, while welcome, only highlights the need for more comprehensive changes.
There’s no sense that that’s something they’re even considering. So we are loudly applauding Ian for setting an example that we hope other members of government will follow, and we hope to see Labour address the challenges faced by all of the dads and partners who are unable to spend crucial time with their new families.
Carole Erskine, Pregnant Then Screwed
Paving the Way for Progress
As the first cabinet minister to take full advantage of his paternity leave rights, Ian Murray is undoubtedly making history. But more than that, he is sending a powerful message about the value of family time and the need for workplaces to adapt to the realities of modern parenthood. By normalizing paternity leave at the highest levels of government, Murray is paving the way for a cultural shift that could benefit countless families across the UK.
The road ahead may be long, with much work still to be done to bring UK parental leave policies in line with those of its European neighbors. However, each small step forward, each high-profile example of a father prioritizing his family responsibilities, brings us closer to a future where no parent has to choose between their career and their child. In taking this bold stance, Ian Murray is not only supporting his own growing family but is also helping to build a more equitable and compassionate society for all.
