Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of parental leave entitlements, particularly in cases where one parent receives extended employer-supported paternity leave while the other parent is (a) ineligible for statutory maternity leave and (b) self-employed.

The Government is undertaking a Review of Parental Leave and Pay, which provides an important opportunity to consider whether the current system meets the needs of modern working families, including those who are self-employed.

The Review will conclude in early 2027, at which point the Government will set out its findings and next steps for any potential reforms.

Some employers choose to offer more than the statutory minimum pay, sometimes referred to as ‘occupational’ or ‘contractual’ parental pay. This is a matter between employers and employees.