By James Lenihan, Regional Employment Rights Manager - Member (Partner) & Jazmeer Jackson, Employment Rights Lawyer
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has published its formal response to the Women and Equalities Committee’s (WEC) Sixth Report on the UK’s parental leave system, largely endorsing the need for reform and accepting many of the Committee’s recommendations.
Key developments highlighted by the DBT include the introduction of Neonatal Care Leave and Pay in April 2025, upcoming Bereaved Partner’s Paternity Leave, and new day-one rights for Paternity and Unpaid Parental Leave under the Employment Rights Bill (from April 2026). Flexible working provisions are also set to be strengthened from 2027.
The government launched a review of the parental leave and pay system on 1 July 2025, aiming to support modern working families while balancing employer and Exchequer needs. Proposals under consideration include increasing statutory paternity pay to match maternity pay for six weeks, extending paid paternity leave to six weeks, enabling greater flexibility in how leave is taken, and extending support to self-employed parents.
WEC Chair Sarah Owen welcomed the review but warned that incremental reforms would “let down” families and called for transformative change. The Committee will continue to scrutinise progress closely.
