Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will take steps to ensure parity of baseline parental leave rights, including the standard two-week entitlement, for parents regardless of their partner’s leave arrangements.

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.