UK MPs call for more male teachers and longer paternity leave

MPs Ali Strathern and Amanda Martin, the co-chairs of Labour’s Men and Boys group. File: The Guardian

A group of Labour MPs in England has urged the government to set official targets to increase the number of male teachers in the education system. The “Men and Boys” parliamentary group also highlighted what they describe as a “crisis of masculinity” and linked the issue to broader social challenges, including youth vulnerability and rising anti-immigrant unrest.

Currently, only 24% of teachers in England are men. The proportion is significantly lower in primary education (14%) and early years education (3%), while it stands at 35% in secondary schools. MPs argue that the low number of male teachers contributes to a lack of positive male role models for boys, which may lead some young men towards harmful online influences such as the “manosphere.” Alongside this, Labour MPs are also pushing for an extension of statutory paternity leave. They argue that the current two-week provision is among the weakest in developed countries and should be increased to allow fathers more time with their newborn children.

The government has stated that it is already working towards recruiting 6,500 additional teachers, with around 70% of the target reportedly achieved. Officials also said they are considering measures to improve gender diversity in the teaching profession, including initiatives aimed at attracting more men into teaching.