Thank you to those who contacted me about paternity leave. I recognise the crucial benefits that paternity leave and pay offer to both parents and children, and I appreciate the important points you raise.
Currently, one in three dads do not take paternity leave because they cannot afford to, and take-up of shared parental leave remains very low. It is clear that the system is complicated, does not always give people the support they need, and must modernise to deliver for today’s families.
That is why I welcome that the Government has launched a landmark full review of parental leave and pay to better support working families and help children get the best start in life.
The review will look at paternity leave and pay, and the length of leave available to fathers and partners. I understand it will cover the whole system, considering all types of leave – including maternity, paternity, and shared parental leave – to ensure it is fairer and easier to use. The review will gather views from parents, employers, and experts across the country and will end with a roadmap for possible reforms.
I further welcome that this review is part of an ambitious agenda to overhaul workers’ rights and make work pay, including by ensuring there is more flexibility and security for working families. This includes making paternity leave and parental leave day one rights, as part of the Employment Rights Bill that I am backing as it makes its way through Parliament. It also includes making flexible working the default, to ensure more flexible working requests are agreed. We must support workers to balance their work with the essential responsibilities of their wider lives, including looking after children.
The Government is currently calling for evidence as part of its Parental Leave and Pay Review. You can submit evidence here. The consultation closes at 11.59pm on 25 August 2025.
I will continue to monitor developments on this issue and look forward to following the progress the Government makes in delivering the review. It is crucial that we strengthen parental leave so that we provide the best possible support for parents balancing their work and home lives.
Thank you once again for contacting me about this important issue.