James Naish, MP for Rushcliffe, has welcomed the government’s launch of a major review into maternity, paternity, parental and adoption leave – but says it must deliver real change for modern families, particularly the self-employed.
A first stage of this review – a call for evidence – was launched in early July and will gather insights into how the parental leave and pay system could better support working families, reflect the modern economy, and deliver on the government’s broader missions. The review is expected to report its conclusions and recommendations in 12 to 18 months’ time.
James Naish MP said: “As a relatively new dad myself, I know how precious those first few weeks with a newborn are. I spent the first few weeks of my daughter’s life campaigning last year – so I know what it feels like to be working rather than supporting your family in those very early days. It’s tough.
“For many, it’s clear that the current system isn’t fair or flexible enough – especially for self-employed parents who currently have no formal parental leave at all. This review is a chance to build a more progressive system that truly works for all families.”
The review, announced by Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, delivers on the government’s manifesto pledge to overhaul the parental leave system. Mr Reynolds said too many parents find the current system confusing and inadequate, with only around one in three new fathers taking paternity leave, often due to financial pressures.
The review comes as new data shows fertility rates in England and Wales have fallen to the lowest level since records began, highlighting the urgent need to better support families.
Mr Reynolds also stressed the economic benefits of reform, saying: “The more people we can keep in work – because they’re able to spend some time with their children in those really important first few months – the stronger our economy will be.”
The government has pledged that businesses will be central to the review and that reforms won’t impose extra burdens. The core aim is to simplify the system for parents and employers alike, with ministers hoping to boost uptake of Shared Parental Leave and remove complexity from the current system which includes eight different types of leave.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has also backed the review, describing stronger parental rights as “vital for our economy” and committing to a full, wide-ranging process. The review will focus on four main areas:
- Supporting parental health and wellbeing.
- Helping parents stay in work and closing the gender pay gap.
- Giving families flexibility to balance work and childcare.
- Ensuring fairness for all family types, including the self-employed.
The initial call for evidence is now open and can be accessed on the government website: https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/parental-leave-and-pay-review-call-for-evidence/parental-leave-and-pay-review-call-for-evidence
