Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what comparative assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of (a) companion animal care functions and (b) informal caregiving on labour market participation.

The Department for Work and Pensions has made no assessment of pet‑related factors on labour market participation, productivity or flexibility.

The Government does not collect or hold information on the impact that pet ownership has on the labour market.

With regard to comparative assessments between companion animal care functions and informal caregiving, the Department has made no such assessment.

However, the Department has published analysis and research on informal care and employment. This can be found in the Informal Carers and Employment: Summary Report of a Systematic Review, available at: Informal carers and employment: summary report of a systematic review - GOV.UK