Extension of Paternity leave put on hold

In 2005, Alan Johnson, the then Trade Secretary, unveiled a plan whereby fathers could take 6 months of paternity leave when their child reached 6 months of age so that mothers could go back to work. Under current rules fathers are only entitled to 2 weeks paternity leave which usually taken just after the baby is born.

It is reported that whilst the plan was championed by Harriet Harman, the Equality Minister, the proposal was met with strong opposition from business leader and Lord Mandelson because of the potential costs involved. Unsurprisingly, the current economic climate has been quoted as the reason for putting the plan on hold.

This seems to be the latest of proposals which has been sidelined as a result of the financial downturn. Some weeks ago we saw internal salary reviews postponed and now the extension of paternity leave is to follow the same fate. Whilst it is perhaps understandable that whilst businesses are suffering financially they are unable to provide bonuses, pay increases etc, does that somehow make it right that women should be paid less than men and fathers should not have the same rights as mothers?