Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Education and the Chancellor of the Exchequer on (a) parental leave allowances and (b) childcare entitlements for PhD students in the context of the parental leave and pay review.

The Parental Leave and Pay Review is considering all current and upcoming parental leave and pay entitlements, including the needs of working families who do not currently qualify.

There are a number of areas where there are clear links and interdependencies with the parental leave and pay system, including childcare provision. The Review will consider these in its policy development, but it is not within its scope to make findings on childcare entitlements.

Officials are working closely across government, including with the Department for Education and His Majesty’s Treasury. The Review will conclude in early 2027.