Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what consideration he has given to introducing six weeks of statutory paternity leave, paid at 90% of earnings, with provision for self-employed parents.

The arrival of a child is a transformative time in a family’s life, and it is important that parents can take time away from work in the months following childbirth. We know that more can be done to support working families, which is why we launched the Parental Leave and Pay Review last year. All current parental leave and pay entitlements, including Paternity Leave and Pay, are in scope of the Review.

The Review is exploring how the system can better support working families, reflect the realities of modern work and childcare, balance the needs of parents, employers and the Exchequer. It is also looking at whether the support available meets the needs of other working families who do not qualify for existing entitlements — including the self-employed. The Review will conclude in early 2027 with a set of findings, and Government will outline next steps for implementing any reforms.