DADS who take paternity leave are being sacked with no legal protection, with 3,700 losing their jobs a year, shocking figures reveal.
Campaigners say the UK’s system is failing fathers, leaving them too scared to take time off to bond with their newborns for fear of losing their livelihoods.
Unlike mothers, who are protected from redundancy during pregnancy and maternity leave, dads taking statutory paternity leave have no such safeguards.
Labour MP Lola McEvoy yesterday told Parliament the lack of legal protection means some fathers “can’t even take what they’re entitled to” because they fear it will cost them their jobs.
She said: “Fathers, mothers and babies need time together. They need time to bond, time to heal, time to adjust to the earth-shattering experience of becoming a parent together.”
The only way for dads to get redundancy protection is to take shared parental leave, but analysis from campaign group The Dad Shift found fewer than 2 per cent of fathers used it last year.
The group, alongside Pregnant Then Screwed, also found 3,700 fathers lose their jobs after taking statutory paternity leave, despite only being entitled to two measly weeks off – the least generous allowance in Europe.
The figure is based on 2018 modelling by the Equalities and Human Rights Commission, updated using a survey of 5,500 parents and polling on job losses among new fathers.
Ministers have stopped short of backing a legal change in the Employment Rights Bill, despite calls to guarantee redundancy protection from the moment a father tells his employer he is expecting a child until the baby is 18 months old.
A government spokesperson said they are expanding day-one rights for paternity leave and conducting a wider review of statutory parental leave to ensure the system supports working families.
Campaigners say this doesn’t go far enough and are calling for urgent action to protect new dads from being unfairly fired.
One South London mum, Juliette, said her partner was made redundant weeks before their daughter was stillborn, leaving them struggling both financially and emotionally.
She believes the company targeted dads for the chop, as all redundancies in her partner’s department hit men with kids—while younger, child-free staff kept their jobs.
Juliette said: “I haven’t seen anything regarding protecting men from abusive redundancy based on children related leave.”
George Gabriel, co-founder of The Dad Shift, said “the stories of dads losing their jobs for taking just two weeks off to bond with their babies and support their partners are absolutely gut-wrenching.”
ONE of the few professions where a diminutive stature is a massive advantage is horse racing.
Here we get to know the world’s tallest jockey Jack Andrews, whose success just goes to show that anything is possible.
Jack Andrews is a professional jockey who’s renowned as the tallest in the world.
Born into a family deeply involved in horse racing, Jack initially wasn’t keen on riding.
However, he discovered his passion as a teenager when he began schooling his parents’ horses.
In horse riding, “schooling” refers to the process of teaching horses to respond to commands, perform specific movements and behave properly under saddle.
But a rapid growth spurt between the ages of 17 and 18 left him thinking a career in the saddle might be just a tall tale.
In spite of his unusual height for the sport, Jack has reached the pinnacle of jump racing.
His unusual stature means he faces additional difficulties in maintaining the low weight required.
He follows a strict diet, carefully monitoring his food intake to remain competitive.
In 2023, Jack told Sun Racing: “I don’t know of anyone riding under rules who is taller than me.
“But I’m very self-critical and constantly trying to make myself better, especially with my riding.
“The biggest compliment anyone can give me is that I don’t look big on a horse.
“But for my diet, I have to have a daily routine to keep my weight down. Gaining weight is an issue but I keep it under control.
“I’ll have a coffee on my way to work then a yogurt, fruit and some granola for breakfast.
“Lunch is a yogurt bar and a banana, while dinner is some protein like chicken and another yogurt – I eat every meal, just not a lot.
“That being said, when I have a cheat day and go out I eat properly! I don’t pick salads, that’s for sure. I go all out.”
The 26-year-old stands at an impressive six feet four inches (193 cm).
Jockeys are typically around five feet two inches tall.
This makes Jack over a foot taller than the average pro racing rider.
Jack has been particularly successful in point-to-point racing.
He was crowned the national Men’s champion jockey for the 2019/2020 season, which was cut short due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
He followed in the footsteps of his older sisters Gina and Bridget, both of whom are former Ladies champions in point-to-point racing.
Jack made headlines when he first participated in the Cheltenham Festival.
His appearance in 2023 marked him as the tallest jockey to ever race at the historic event.
Riding 66/1 long shot Anightinlambourn in the National Hunt Steeple Chase Challenge Cup, he drew attention for both his riding skills and towering presence.
And he’s back for the 2025 Festival, riding Geri and Christian Horner‘s horse Lift Me Up.
Throughout his career, Andrews has shown versatility and skill, riding for various trainers and on different horses.
One of his favourite horses has been Proximo, on which he has won six races.
His success and unique physical attributes have made him an intriguing figure, challenging the stereotypical image of jockeys.
EMMERDALE fans have turned on one of the soap’s most iconic characters, with many calling for him to be axed after more than 26 years on screen.
Marlon Dingle, played by Mark Charnock, has been a fan favourite since 1996, but recent storylines have left viewers branding him “toxic” and “unwatchable”.
The long-standing character has undergone a drastic personality change in recent episodes as he became consumed with getting rid of April Windsor’s troubled friend Dylan.
Marlon, who has been struggling to reconnect with his daughter since she returned from living on the streets, resorted to planting drugs on Dylan in a desperate bid to force him out of April’s life.
But his plan backfired dramatically when Dylan ended up overdosing – leaving Marlon guilt-ridden and viewers fuming.
Fans of the ITV soap have been vocal about their disappointment, slamming the once lovable chef’s “out of character” actions.
One frustrated viewer fumed on a Digital Spy forum: “This Marlon & April storyline is unwatchable. Both have become toxic, unlikeable characters.”
Another added: “Marlon doesn’t think of the consequences. Can’t stand what they have done to his character. What happened to the funny, approachable Marlon?”
A third agreed: “It is ridiculous and this has annoyed me. I know Marlon can be quite histrionic and not always clear of thinking but this seems so out of character for him.
“I think the real Marlon would be inclined to be much kinder to Dylan than he has been and certainly wouldn’t be planting drugs on him.”
Many fans are struggling to recognise the character they once loved, arguing that his actions go against the moral compass he’s shown for decades.
“Marlon hasn’t acted like this at all previously. It’s only come from this specific storyline,” another disgruntled fan pointed out.
Meanwhile, actor Mark Charnock has admitted that Marlon’s actions are weighing heavily on him.
Speaking about his character’s guilt, he explained: “He immediately regrets it. He just went blind with trying to get rid of [Dylan]. He didn’t think of the consequences.”
AS DANNY Jones picks up the pieces from his drunken kiss with Maura Higgins, things are looking a bit more rosy for his I’m A Celeb co-star.
Despite the career threatening smooch, The Sun can exclusively reveal that Maura, 34, is still raking in a HUGE amount of cash each week.
Married Danny, 39, and the Love Island star – who met when they both appeared on I’m A Celebrity last year – were caught briefly locking lips at the Brits earlier this month.
The snog has caused a huge fall out, especially for the McFly star’s wife Georgia.
But The Sun can reveal that despite the snog row, Maura is still raking in a whopping £6K a week from flogging fake eyelashes.
The former Islander’s firm, The Flutter Effect, has just posted an impressive set of figures for 2023.
Maura is cashing in on her packs of £5 eyelashes and signed a money-spinning deal with high street giant Primark when she launched her beauty accessories.
Latest figures for her firm The Flutter Effect Ltd – filed to Companies House just days ago – show the outfit has more than £390,000 in cash and £290,000 is held in investments.
Maura had a Corporation Tax bill of almost £60,000 for the 12 months to the end of November 2023 – pointing to taxable profits of five times that figure.
The reality star made a similar amount of profit in 2022, according to her books.
The Sun revealed last week how Danny and Maura appeared to kiss at 180 Studios while they were at Universal Music’s official Brit Awards after party.
The pair then left the venue shortly after 3am and travelled to Sony Music’s after party in Nobu Portman Square.
Danny and Maura were filmed holding glasses of red wine inside the posh hotel around 4am.
The singer has remained friends with Maura — single since her split with Towie’s Pete Wicks, 37 — since their time on I’m A Celebrity in December.
Following the snog reports, Danny and wife Georgia left their home in London to discuss what had happened.
Maura was laying low too, before flying to Los Angeles earlier this week for work.
Yesterday, The Sun told how Danny’s wife Georgia would be standing by him, despite his antics with Maura.
The couple put on a united front as they were seen for the first time, after the drama unfolded.
The Sun told how pals said the couple, who married in August 2014, were determined to move past the scandal and get on with their lives.
A friend close to the couple insisted they were strong and united.
They added: “Danny and Georgia took time away together to talk about what happened at the Brits.
“It has been incredibly embarrassing for them both and Danny had a lot of questions to answer.
“Their marriage is strong though and Danny and Georgia just want to move on with their lives now.
“They are a united team and just want to focus on the future.”
MCFLY singer Danny Jones and his wife Georgia Horsley's romance is at the centre of attention after his 'drunken snog' with Love Island alum Maura Higgins. Yet when did they meet?
Danny began a relationship with model Georgia back in 2010.
He had been going out with his now-wife for four years when he proposed to her in Cyprus, in 2013.
They married the next August in her hometown in a ceremony which featured musical performances by McBusted and Ellie Goulding.
Danny and Georgia welcomed a new baby boy called Cooper Alf Jones on January 27, 2018.
Yet their romance was rocked in 2025 when Danny and Maura’s boozy 3am smooch at The BRITs was made public.
A FRESH Love Island All Stars feud has emerged centred on an “embarrassing” TikTok video of winner Casey O’Gorman.
The ITV2 star, who scooped the matchmaking show cash prize with Gabby Allen, 33, opened up on the bizarre social media clip on the Saving Grace podcast.
Surprise show winners. Casey, 28, and Gabby were addressing fellow All Stars alum Liv Hawkins‘ villa scandal which saw her reignite her feud with model Grace Jackson, 26.
Liv, who had been dumped in the series, returned briefly ahead of the final with a major revelation about the Manchester lass during another eviction ceremony.
In claims dismissed by Grace, Liv said she’d seen text messages from Grace to someone where she’d declared she would “do anything to win the show this time.”
As they discussed the longstanding implications of the text scandal – which was intensified when Messy Mitch Taylor claimed to “expose the messages from Grace” in a social media video – host GK Barry asked if the pair had had contact with Liv.
Casey said no then added: “I saw she made a TikTok about me being her emergency contact.”
He was referring to a playful trend on the social media app which sees people select someone from their phone book to be their emergency contact – yet they pick someone who might not be reliable or available.
Host GK interjected: “I saw that, she got a lot of hate for that too actually.”
Casey replied: “Did she?
“It got a lot of views so fair play.”
Fans on Reddit were equally surprised by Casey’s inclusion.
One wrote of Liv: “Olivia girl……this is getting very embarrassing. Why would she use Casey in the trend when he isn’t even that close to her.
“You can tell, even HE is embarrassed by her behaviour and is confused asf as to why she’d use him and more importantly why she LIED about the screenshots.”
Another put: “Damn Liv copping strays from everywhere (deserved though).”
A third wrote: “She is very weird… I don’t think she has friends irl and is like 30 without ever having a relationship.”
EVERY year Love Island opens its doors to more sexy Islanders who are hoping for a holiday romance that could turn into more.
Here we take you through all of the Love Island winners so far and what their relationship statuses are now:
2025 – The second series of All Stars saw Gabby Allen and Case O’Gorman scoop the crown. STATUS: Still together.
2024 – The summer Love Island saw Mimii Ngulube and Josh Oyinsan were crowned the winners. STATUS: Broken up.
2024 – The first ever All stars spin off show was won by Molly Smith and Tom Clare. STATUS: Still together.
2023 – Jess Harding and Sammy Root took home the 50k, and won the summer 2023 Love Island. STATUS: Broken up.
2023 – The first series of 2023 saw Sanam Harrinanan and Kai Fagan crowned Love Island winners in South Africa. STATUS: Still together.
2022 – Davide Sanclimenti and Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu’s time in the villa was anything but a smooth ride, but they managed to win the public’s hearts – and the ITV2 reality show. STATUS: Broken up.
2021 – Liam Reardon and Millie Court were announced winners of Love Island 2021. STATUS: Still together.
2020 – The first ever winter Love Island saw Paige Turley and Finn Tapp crowned winners after falling in love on the show. STATUS: Broken up.
2019 – Series 5 saw Tommy Fury and Molly-Mae Hague runners up to winners Greg O’Shea and Amber Gill, who met in the last few days of the series. STATUS: Broken up.
2018 – It wasn’t surprising fan favourites Jack Fincham and Dani Dyer won the show, as they were strong throughout. But sadly things didn’t last. STATUS: Broken up.
2017 – Kem Cetinay and Amber Davies had lots of ups and downs in the villa but went on to win. STATUS: Broken up.
2016 – Nathan Massey and Cara De La Hoyde were together from the start of the series, and since they won the show they’ve had two kids and are married. STATUS: Still together.
2015 – Despite poor Jess Hayes being Max Morley’s second choice on the show, they did win – but they didn’t last as a couple. STATUS: Broken up.
Yet one confessed of the fresh angle to the feud: “I’m kinda over it.”
Not holding back on her All Stars comeback, Olivia made her huge reveal.
Ahead of the final, she told the stunned Islanders said: “Erm, so I’ve seen text messages of Grace just saying to someone that she would do whatever it takes to win the show this time.”
Grace, who is coupled up with Luca, looked horrified at Olivia’s comment, before she yelled: “Wait, what? From who?”
Olivia continued: “So I was just a bit confused,” as Grace screamed: “From who?”
Liv reinforced her stance in Monday’s final when grilled by host Maya about the receipts.
Liv was backed by Samie Elishi who agreed “the “everyone” from Love Island All Stars had seen the screenshots.
After the final wrapped, Liv was in tears during a podcast chat when she revealed the “truth” about the texts.
Olivia told the SnatchedByWill podcast the situation had taken its toll on her.
She broke down in floods of tears as she defended herself and said producers begged her to share what she saw.
In a snippet from the interview shared on Instagram, Olivia revealed: “I said this piece of information to producers, and they wanted me to, you know, say what I’ve seen.
“What I will say is, do people really think I would go on national television and lie about something so serious as that?”
FROM high-quality hair dryers to curling wands, the GHD Black Friday sale is one of the best times of the year to bag bargains on beauty items.
So, what’s in store for this year’s sale, and what Black Friday deals can shoppers expect? We’ve got everything you need to know here in our ghd guide.
ghd Black Friday sale
Much to the delight of shoppers, in recent years, the brand’s Black Friday deals have included some newer releases, and we’re hoping for similar savings in 2025.
As well as ghd’s website, there are plenty of other retailers that stock the brand, so be sure to shop around to find the best deals.
We recommend checking out LookFantastic, John Lewis, Cult Beauty, Sephora, Amazon, ASOS, Very, Harrods, and Selfridges for other ghd deals this Black Friday.
In 2025, Black Friday falls on November 28 – so make sure to make note, as it’s one sales event you won’t want to miss.
Traditionally Black Friday takes place on the day after Thanksgiving in the United States.
The sales event has since become a global phenomenon, and UK shoppers are now just as eager to bag a bargain.
We’d expect ghd to announce its participation closer to the Black Friday event, so make sure to keep checking back.
The brand’s Black Friday sale typically includes discounts on hair straighteners, curling wands, and hot brushes.
If ghd joins in the Black Friday fun once again, shoppers can expect a mix of percentage-based discounts and special offers on best-selling products.
Bundle gift sets may be also reduced in the sale, which can save you more than buying every item in the hamper separately.
We will keep you updated here as soon as the best Black Friday deals start dropping, so stay tuned.
In 2024, ghd shoppers saved up to 25% on select hair tools.
Popular items like the ghd Glide Hot Brush and the ghd Max Styler were reduced.
There were also gift set savings up for grabs, and shoppers were able to secure a free heat protection spray worth £23.95.
Here are just a few of our favourite Black Friday 2024 deals:
ghd Duet Style £279 (was £379)
The ghd Duet Style took the beauty world by storm when it was released in 2023.
The multi-purpose tool takes hair from wet to styled without causing heat damage thanks to its ultra-concentrated airflow.
Also part of the Duet Style range is the ghd Blowdry Hair Dryer Brush, which was also included in the Black Friday sale.
If you’re after a sleek straight do the Duet Style is the answer, but if a voluminous bouncy blow dry is your preferred look, then the Duet Blowdry Brush is the one.
ghd Max Styler, £169 (was £209)
The brand’s Max Styler features wide plates that are designed to create sleek straight looks in half the time.
Perfect for thick, long, and curly hair, the plates work to tackle frizz while adding shine from the root to the tip.
During last year’s sale, ghd’s Original Hair Straighteners were also reduced from £139 to £119.
ghd Hair Curl Wand Gift Set, £149 (was £169)
The Curl Wand Set is perfect for gifting, and the hair tool also comes with a detangling comb and a heat-resistant bag.
It’s also lightweight to hold and compact to carry, making it a great choice for travelling.
ghd Glide Hot Brush, £134 (was £179)
Hot brushes have become one of the best-loved hair tools, and the ghd version works to tame and smooth hair effortlessly.
It features a combination of high-density short and long bristles, meaning larger sections of hair can be styled for efficiency.
It is ultra simple to use, just sweep through your hair to tame any frizz or flyaways, and style as you wish.
We’d recommend curving the ends of your hair under like a soft blow dry.
ghd Unplugged Cordless Hair Straightener, £199 (was £299)
Not only are the Unplugged straighteners super compact to take on the go day to day, or on holiday, but you are not restricted by the corded wire.
It is simple to use and delivers high power for a sleek straight do, or to create ringlets and curls.
It needs to be fully charged to run for 30 minutes, which is enough time to section your hair and use it all over without getting caught short.
Cyber Monday takes place on December 1, 2025.
It is the digital follow-up to Black Friday and the final day to shop deals over the Cyber Weekend.
The brand has yet to confirm its participation, however, ghd has historically extended its Black Friday deals through to Cyber Monday.
Luckily for customers, ghd offers free UK delivery on all orders.
Free Next Day Delivery is available on all orders placed before 8pm between Monday and Thursday.
All purchases from the official GHD website are covered by the 21-day “no quibble” returns policy (excluding personalised items).
If you return a product within 21 days of receiving it, you will be granted a full refund.
Prices may vary if you order ghd products from other retailers.
New shoppers can benefit from 15% off their first purchase by signing up for the ghd newsletter.
To claim the new member discount, all you have to do is enter your name and email address.
Returning customers can also score savings, with the brand offering £100 off ghd Chronos when you use code UPGRADE and trade in any old ghd straighteners, plus students can save 20% on core stylers.
Stockists such as ASOS and LookFantastic may also offer student discounts or exclusive app deals, so remember to shop around for the best offers.
There are plenty of retailers that stock ghd hair products, both online and in-store.
Typically ghd’s main website has the full collection from the leading brand, as well as limited-edition colourways of popular products, and new releases.
So, if you are looking to buy the latest creations, we recommend checking the website directly to try and secure those goods for less come Black Friday.
However, there are plenty of other stockists to shop ghd products over Black Friday, as well as all year round.
Other retailers include:
ghd Black Friday sale
For more beauty deals and sales, news, and reviews check out our dedicated shopping beauty page.
