Parental Leave and Pay Review

Lord Fox Excerpts

Tuesday 20th January 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Sherlock (Lab)]

My Lords, leave from day one is about the ability to give notice. For statutory maternity and paternity pay, there is already a significant period of qualification of working for the employer. If the noble Viscount is seriously suggesting that businesses would reject all potential mothers and fathers, that is going to leave them with quite a small pool to choose from when they are selecting. The reality is that many businesses already recognise that there are genuine benefits to be had in enabling people to be productive. If people are worrying about what is happening at home, then they are not able to do that. However, we have to get the balance right, so the review will carefully weigh up the benefits for families against the impact on employers and the Exchequer before Ministers decide on any reforms. On that point he is absolutely right.

[Lord Fox (LD)]

My Lords, in order for us to plan our workflow over the next couple of years, can the Minister let us know how many other consultations are still under way and how many more reviews will be conducted before the Employment Rights Bill is enacted?

[Baroness Sherlock (Lab)]

My Lords, the Government will consult with employers and those who are going to be affected to make sure that the implementation of the decisions Parliament has already made is done appropriately. I make no apologies for that, and the House should welcome it.