Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the costs and benefits of paid paternity leave, with reference to the comparative costs and benefits in European countries with a higher level of take-up, including Germany and Spain.

The Government is considering a range of evidence on the costs and benefits of parental leave and pay as part of the ongoing Parental Leave and Pay Review. This includes evidence from other countries, including European countries such as Germany and Spain, which have different parental leave and pay systems and higher levels of fathers’ leave take-up.

The costs and benefits of paid paternity leave depend on the design of the entitlement, including its duration, payment rate and take-up. The Government has not yet reached conclusions on potential reforms. The Review is expected to report in early 2027, setting out next steps for taking forward any reforms to implementation.