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Conditions of Employment: Parents

Asked by Sarah RussellLabourDepartment for Business and TradeTabled Answered 12 March 2026UIN 118428

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what progress his Department has made on improving parental rights for workers in (a) Congleton constituency and (b) Cheshire.

Answered by Kate Dearden

This Government is dedicated to improving rights for working parents. In April, we are making Unpaid Parental Leave and Paternity Leave day-one rights, as well as introducing Bereaved Partners Paternity Leave.

In 2027, we will further improve protections for pregnant women and those returning from Maternity Leave. These reforms will benefit millions of employees across the country.

We also know that more can be done to support working parents. The ongoing Parental Leave and Pay Review is looking at all parental leave entitlements and will conclude next year, informing our next steps.

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