The UK Government has pledged to review all parental leave and pay entitlements after a cross-party committee labelled the current system “broken” and campaigners warned that piecemeal change would let down families. The response, published on 19 September, commits to an 18-month review alongside limited near-term reforms.
The Women and Equalities Committee (WEC) published its Equality at work: Paternity and shared parental leave report in June, concluding that the UK offers “one of the worst leave offers in the developed world for fathers and other parents.” It highlighted that statutory paternity leave — capped at two weeks — is “completely out of step with how most couples want to share their parenting responsibilities.”
On Thursday, the Government confirmed that “all current and upcoming parental leave and pay entitlements” will be within scope of its review. The process, launched in July, will run for 18 months before producing a roadmap for reform. It will consider issues including pay levels, eligibility, and simplification of the shared parental leave scheme.
Immediate changes are also planned. From April 2026, paternity leave and unpaid parental leave will become “day-one” rights, meaning employees will be able to take them from the start of a new job rather than having to accrue qualifying service.
The Committee welcomed the comprehensive scope but voiced concern that the Government did not commit to extending or improving paternity leave during this Parliament. Sarah Owen MP, Chair of the WEC, described the review as a “watershed moment,” warning: “Tinkering around the edges will let down families.”
Campaigners argue the system needs urgent overhaul. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation has estimated that extending statutory paternity leave to six weeks on 90% pay could generate £2.68 billion in additional economic value through higher female participation and improved family outcomes.
The professional body for HR, the CIPD, reiterated its position following the Government’s response. 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.”
She added that the Government should increase statutory paternity leave to six weeks at or near full pay, and ring-fence it to encourage uptake: “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.”
Employers face practical considerations. The Government’s Employment Rights Bill is already introducing wide changes to workplace protections. McCartney said reforms should be phased in, with “clear guidance and support for employers.”
International comparisons suggest the UK lags peer economies. Nordic countries, Germany and Spain all offer longer and better-paid non-transferable paternity or parental leave, designed to increase take-up by fathers. Advocates say similar policies in the UK could reduce the gender pay gap and tackle the “motherhood penalty.”
The Government’s review is framed around these aims, but no commitments have been made on duration or pay levels. With changes unlikely to come before 2026, the debate will continue over whether the UK’s parental leave model can catch up with international practice — and whether parents will see meaningful change within this Parliament.
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