Government launches review of parental leave and pay
The Government is inviting employer input as it undertakes a wide-ranging review of parental leave and pay.
Scope of review
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have launched an 18-month review of the parental leave and pay framework in Great Britain. The review covers all forms of leave and pay for parents, including maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental, neonatal care and parental bereavement leave, as well as unpaid parental leave and maternity allowance.
No specific proposals for reform have been made at this stage. Instead, the government is seeking evidence on how the current system operates in practice and whether it supports key objectives such as promoting maternal health, reducing the gender pay gap, enabling co-parenting, and supporting parental wellbeing. The review also aims to consider the economic impact on employers and explore international models of best practice.
A public call for evidence is open until 26 August 2025. Employers can read more and submit their views now..
Learning points for employers
Employers may wish to share practical insights into how parental leave and pay entitlements affect recruitment, retention, workplace culture and business operations. Contributing to the call for evidence offers a meaningful opportunity to shape future law and policy in this important area.