Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of increasing fathers' entitlement to paid leave on (1) gender inequalities in pay, (2) career progression, (3) employment, (4) the provision of childcare, and (5) the mental health of both parents.

As set out in our Manifesto, the Government is committed to making it easier for fathers and partners to take Paternity Leave.

In 2019 we consulted on high-level options and principles for reforming the parental leave and pay system. The recently published response sets out changes which include enabling fathers to take Paternity Leave in two separate blocks of one week at any time in the first year. Allowing fathers to take time off work towards the end of the mother’s 52 weeks of Maternity Leave could also allow fathers to solo parent whilst supporting mothers to return to work.