Self-Employed Dads Need Support | Leeds News

Leeds News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 8, 2026 · 1m

Self-employed dads are getting a major boost as Prime Minister Andy Burnham faces pressure to introduce a new Paternity Allowance—paying £194.32 per week for two weeks, the first time self-employed fathers get paid paternity leave. Bright Blue also wants automatic pension sign-ups starting at 1% of earnings, rising to 4% over six years with government matching. Research reveals dire gaps: nearly a quarter of self-employed workers have zero savings, and half lack any insurance. Many have stopped working due to health issues without sick pay, while most feel the current system is…