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Career Breaks: Parents of Seriously Ill Children
03 February 2025
Lead MP
Robbie Moore
Keighley and Ilkley
Con
Responding Minister
Justin Madders
Tags
Employment
Word Count: 10284
Other Contributors: 13
At a Glance
Robbie Moore raised concerns about career breaks: parents of seriously ill children in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The petition calls for better employment rights that provide more robust protection and support for parents dealing with the unexpected challenges of caring for seriously ill children.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The petition received over 164,000 signatures. Christina Harris's case highlights the difficulties faced by parents when their child is diagnosed with a serious illness, leading to job loss and financial insecurity. The situation can be exacerbated by lack of support from employers, leaving parents in a precarious position both financially and emotionally.
Mid Sussex
Kat from Hassocks, whose son has battled neuroblastoma since July 2022, faced a lack of support from her employer despite some employers being accommodating.
Clive Jones
LD
Wokingham
Families of chronically ill children face unavoidable costs and often have to battle through bureaucracy. The existing system is not adequate, leaving many with no choice but to return to work prematurely, causing significant stress. Addressed the financial impact on families due to delays in the benefits system.
Harriett Baldwin
Con
West Worcestershire
The Government's Employment Rights Bill may increase pressure on employers due to increased costs, potentially affecting job creation and retention. The Bill aims to provide day one right for unpaid parental leave but does not address career breaks specifically for seriously ill children. Highlighted work done by the Conservative Government and opposition to the Employment Rights Bill.
Epsom and Ewell
Suggests the Government should commission research into the number of families impacted each year by employer support issues, to inform better solutions.
John Lamont
Con
Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
He acknowledged the good practice of some employers but expressed concern about those who do not support parents during difficult times, echoing the petition's call for improved employment rights.
Justin Madders
Lab
High Peak
The Government are looking at ways to improve the lot of carers and make progress in this area, including meeting Ministers from relevant Departments to discuss how they will support unpaid carers who wish to stay employed.
Kevin McKenna
Lab
Sittingbourne and Sheppey
Employers play a crucial role in supporting carers, providing structure and wellbeing benefits. The debate highlighted the need to support parents without losing their workplace connections. Highlighted that work offers more than just financial reward, touching on the emotional challenges families face.
Mark Francois
Con
Rayleigh and Wickford
Commends Christina Harris, the petition originator, who gathered signatures despite initial challenges. Mentions survey results showing potential wider impact.
Francois
Con
Rayleigh and Wickford
Spoke eloquently about Christina Harris's campaign and shared survey results indicating both positive and negative employer actions regarding seriously ill children.
Tiverton and Minehead
She shared her personal experience of dealing with a suspected brain tumour diagnosis for her son, emphasizing the added stress and anxiety parents face in rural areas due to logistical challenges.
Robbie Moore
Lab
Keighley and Ilkley
Discussed the difficulties faced by parents of seriously ill children in balancing work and caring responsibilities. The Petitions Committee thanks Christina and Skye for bringing the petition forward, which has over 100,000 signatures. The debate highlighted the need for more data collection to ensure practical workability of legislation introduced by Government.
Robin Swann
UUP
South Antrim
Tributed to the hon. Member for Keighley and Ilkley and paid tribute to Christina for starting the petition, wishing Skye continuing good health. Discussed personal experiences and the role of charity in supporting families with seriously ill children.
North East Fife
She highlighted previous improvements in employment rights, suggesting that paid carer’s leave is necessary to prevent situations like Christina's from occurring. Recognises good practices among employers and urges constituents to get their employers linked with Carers UK’s network for sharing good practice.
Government Response
Justin Madders
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade
Government Response
Acknowledged Christina Harris's petition, discussed existing employment rights such as parental leave and carer’s leave, outlined upcoming measures from the Employment Rights Bill including flexible working rights, neonatal care leave, and improvements to family-related leave protections. Emphasised plans to review carer’s leave and highlighted funding through the accelerating reform fund for supporting unpaid carers.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.