Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Parental Leave: Pay and Allowances

Monday 16 December 2024 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government keeps parental pay under review and announced a 1.7% increase effective April 2025.
  • Requests for significant increases in parental benefits were noted but no specific funding suggestions were made.
  • The Minister agreed to work with the Department for Business and Trade to review shared parental leave uptake and disparities.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Munira Wilson Lib Dem Twickenham
Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

The current levels of maternity and paternity pay are under scrutiny due to concerns over their adequacy for supporting families during leave periods.

Question

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.

Answer from Andrew Western

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: 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.

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Q2 Munira Wilson Lib Dem Twickenham
Employment Benefits & Welfare Children & Families
Context

The current levels of maternity and paternity pay are under scrutiny due to concerns over their adequacy for supporting families during leave periods.

Question

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?

Answer from Andrew Western

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: 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.

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Q3 Alistair Strathern Lab Hitchin
Employment Women & Equalities
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Andrew Western

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The question asked specifically about working on enhanced parental leave, but the answer only committed to maintaining dialogue without specific actions or timelines.

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