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

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the potential economic impact of expanding statutory paternity leave allowances on female labour market participation.

The Government recognises that the design of parental leave and pay can affect parents’ participation in the labour market. The Parental Leave and Pay Review is considering how the current system supports economic growth through labour market participation, including its impact on the gender pay gap and motherhood penalty.

All existing parental leave and pay entitlements are within scope, including paternity leave and pay.

The Review will conclude in early 2027 with a set of findings in which the Government will outline next steps for taking any potential reforms forward to implementation.