Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what consideration has made of improving paternity leave entitlement for self employed fathers.

I thank the Honourable Member for campaigning on behalf of new parents.

The current parental leave and pay system was designed around employee-employer relationships, as employee parents have less flexibility over how and when they work. This may leave self-employed parents and partners without support.

This is being considered as part of the Review of Parental Leave and Pay System, which is examining all entitlements, and whether the support available meets the needs of working families who do not qualify for entitlements, including the self-employed. Findings are expected in early 2027.