Parental Leave Pay and Allowances 2024-12-16
2024-12-16
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The current levels of maternity and paternity pay are under scrutiny due to concerns over their adequacy for supporting families during leave periods.
What discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on the adequacy of levels of maternity and paternity pay and allowances. At less than half the rate of a full-time national minimum wage, maternity and paternity pay is so low that most parents simply cannot live on it, and they are often forced into debt or back to work sooner than desired. A poll found two-thirds of fathers would take more leave if paternity pay were higher.
The Government keep parental pay under review. Following the Secretary of State's announcement, and subject to parliamentary approval, parental pay will increase by 1.7% from April 2025. Requests for a significant uplifting of benefits come with a price tag; no suggestions on funding were made. The Government committed in their manifesto to review parental leave to ensure it best supports working families.
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Assessment & feedback
The question asked specifically about discussing ways to boost rates, but the answer only mentioned reviewing and increasing current levels without committing to specific discussions on boosting rates.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The current levels of maternity and paternity pay are under scrutiny due to concerns over their adequacy for supporting families during leave periods.
At less than half the rate of a full-time national minimum wage, maternity and paternity pay is so low that most parents simply cannot live on it, and they are often forced into debt or back to work sooner than desired. A poll found two-thirds of fathers would take more leave if paternity pay were higher. If we want to give families choice in how they care for their children in those precious early months, will the Minister discuss with colleagues in the Treasury and the Department for Business and Trade how we can boost rates of maternity and paternity pay?
I understand the point that the hon. Lady is making, but requests for a significant uplifting of benefits come with a price tag; no suggestions on funding were made. The Government committed in their manifesto to review parental leave to ensure it best supports working families.
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Assessment & feedback
The question asked specifically about discussing ways to boost rates, but the answer only mentioned reviewing and increasing current levels without committing to specific discussions on boosting rates.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Recent statistics show that only 2% of parents used shared parental leave in the past year, with higher earners more likely to take advantage.
Recent damning statistics highlighted that just 2% of parents made use of shared parental leave in the past year, with uptake skewed towards the highest earners. Given the importance of breaking down barriers to equal parenting for employment, will the Minister ensure that he works with the Department for Business and Trade as part of the upcoming review to ensure that enhanced parental leave is considered, including strengthening paternity leave entitlements?
My hon. Friend is correct to highlight not just the importance and benefits of shared parental leave, but the disparity between those who make use of it. I will maintain dialogue with the Department for Business and Trade as we go through that review.
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Assessment & feedback
The question asked specifically about working on enhanced parental leave, but the answer only committed to maintaining dialogue without specific actions or timelines.
Response accuracy