Commons Sense

Hansard-based summaries and metrics

Parental Leave Take-up 2024-12-12

2024-12-12

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Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Christine Jardine Lib Dem
Edinburgh West
▸ Context
The question arises from concerns about low take-up rates for shared parental leave and issues with current maternity pay levels, particularly among lower-earning families.
What assessment has been made of the adequacy of levels of take up of parental leave? I agree that it is very disappointing. For many parents, current maternity pay is too low, and the leave system is not flexible enough. A recent BBC report noted almost half of new fathers are unaware of what is available to them. The system is skewed, with lower take-up among lower earning families, especially for those with multiple births who need more time and financial support during maternity leave.
Justin Madders
The hon. Member makes a number of points, which I am sure we will consider as part of the review we are undertaking. The Employment Rights Bill has important measures supporting working families by bringing 1.5 million parents into scope for parental leave and another 32,000 into scope for paternity leave.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Specific commitments on increasing maternity pay levels or improving public awareness were not provided.
We Are Undertaking A Review We Want To Support Families Who Are In Work
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Christine Jardine Lib Dem
Edinburgh West
▸ Context
Concerns have been raised about low take-up rates for shared parental leave and issues with current maternity pay levels, particularly among lower-earning families.
What assessment has been made of the adequacy of levels of take up of parental leave? The parent rights survey 2019 found that while 89% of employee mothers took maternity leave and 70% of employee fathers took paternity leave, take-up of shared parental leave is much lower. I agree with the Minister: it is very disappointing.
Justin Madders
The hon. Member makes a number of points, which I am sure we will consider as part of the review we are undertaking. The Employment Rights Bill has important measures supporting working families by bringing 1.5 million parents into scope for parental leave and another 32,000 into scope for paternity leave.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Specific commitments on increasing maternity pay levels or improving public awareness were not provided.
We Are Undertaking A Review We Want To Support Families Who Are In Work
Response accuracy