The government’s review of the UK’s parental leave system “must be a watershed moment” that delivers root-and-branch reform, according to select committee MPs.
The Women and Equalities Committee (WEC) warned that “tinkering around the edges” will “let down” working families.
WEC’s comments came as the government responded to the committee’s June, 2025, report Equality at work: Paternity and shared parental leave.
The government confirmed all current and upcoming parental leave and pay entitlements will be within scope of the review, which was launched on 1 July, 2025, ahead of parliament’s summer recess (22 July). This review is expected to run for 18 months, concluding in early 2027 with a roadmap of findings and next steps.
Out of step
WEC welcomed the government’s commitment, but it stressed that reforms must confront “fundamental failings” in the current system. In its June report, it described the UK as having “one of the worst leave offers in the developed world for fathers and other parents”. It said that the maximum two weeks’ paternity leave is “completely out of step with how most couples want to share their parenting responsibilities” and “entrenches outdated gender stereotypes about caring”.
In response, the government said: “We know that the parental leave system needs improvement, and that more can be done to better support working families in the important time after a child is born.”
It confirmed that under the forthcoming Employment Rights Bill, paternity and unpaid parental leave will become “day one” rights from April 2026. The government added that the review would explore how the system can better reflect modern working and childcare arrangements, while balancing the needs of employers and the public finances.
“The review presents a much-needed opportunity to consider our approach to the system of parental leave and pay. All current and upcoming parental leave and pay entitlements will be in scope,” it said, adding that the consideration of shared parental leave will be a key part of this.
However, the WEC was disappointed by the lack of a definite commitment to longer, better paid paternity leave during this parliament. It said this reform would support gender equality, help tackle the ‘motherhood penalty’, and is likely to deliver economic benefits over the medium and longer term.
UK lags behind
The committee also highlighted gaps in provision, including the “deeply unfair” lack of leave rights for self-employed fathers. It urged ministers to consider international models such as Germany’s ‘partnership bonus’ and Portugal’s ‘sharing bonus’, which incentivise parents to share leave more equally.
Sarah Owen, WEC chair, said: “While the WEC welcomes the government’s announced review of the UK’s parental leave system just weeks after our published report – as well as ministers’ commitment to engage during the process – this must be a watershed moment for working families which leads to far reaching improvements.
“WEC’s report warned tinkering around the edges of a broken system will let down working parents. As the government pursues its economic growth agenda, the UK cannot afford to continue with a parental leave system which has fallen far behind most comparable countries and has one of the worst statutory leave offers for fathers and other parents in the developed world.
“It is disappointing there is no definite commitment in the government’s response to longer, better paid paternity leave during this parliament, as change is much needed and long overdue.”
She highlighted WEC report findings that an increasing number of larger businesses are implementing gender equal parental leave, adding that “some who have been doing this for years are convinced of the business benefits, through employee engagement, retention, and lower recruitment costs”.
Owen continued: “The forthcoming review must address the ‘fundamental failings’ in the existing system, improve gender equality, tackle the motherhood penalty, and act on the strong evidence of the economic and societal benefits in the medium and longer term of government investment.”
Claire McCartney, policy and practice manager at the CIPD, said: “We’re pleased the government has confirmed that all current and upcoming parental leave and pay entitlements will be in the scope of its parental leave review. The existing system is not fit for purpose and reform is necessary to support better and fairer employment opportunities for working parents.
“As we highlighted in our submission to the review, the UK sits behind many OECD countries on paternity leave and pay. To support better balance and choice for working parents, the government should increase statutory paternity leave to six weeks at or near the full rate of pay.
“Enhancing and ring-fencing this leave is likely to significantly improve take-up and support fathers and partners to play an active role in their children’s early care and beyond. Shared parental leave should also be reformed and simplified for both parents and employers.
“Given the level of change organisations are facing under the Employment Rights Bill, the government should take a phased approach to implementing reforms, coupled with clear guidance and support for employers.”
The review’s findings are expected in early 2027, but the WEC has pledged to scrutinise the process closely and continue pressing for substantial change.
