The CIPD is calling on the UK Government to reform the parental leave and pay system to provide greater choice, fairness and flexibility for working parents
For some time, the CIPD has called for a comprehensive review and reform of the parental leave and pay system in the UK. The provisions are not fit for purpose and reform is needed to provide greater choice, fairness and flexibility for working parents. This will in turn help the attraction, retention and wellbeing of employees, which benefits organisations and people professionals.
Earlier in 2025, the Women and Equalities Select Committee ran a call for evidence and evidence sessions reviewing shared parental leave and paternity (or partner) leave. The CIPD responded and gave evidence to the committee about the need to reform both shared parental leave and pay as well as paternity leave and pay.
In July, we responded to the government’s review into parental leave and pay. In our response to the Department for Business and Trade and the Department for Work and Pensions call for evidence on the review, we recommended the government to take a holistic review of the current parental leave and pay system to see where improvements could be made to better support labour market participation, choice, fairness and flexibility for working parents and employers. In particular, this should include:
Overall, it is the CIPD’s view that the government should take a phased approach when implementing the parental leave and pay review changes to ensure sufficient employer support and education, given the level of change organisations are already facing as a result of the Employment Rights Bill (ERB).
The UK Government is planning to make both paternity leave and unpaid parental leave day-one rights through the ERB. Baroness Penn tabled an amendment to the ERB, including extending statutory paternity leave and pay to six weeks and increasing the rate of pay. This amendment was narrowly defeated. Also, Stella Creasy MP tabled an amendment, which focused on protected paternity or parental partner leave. The House has not considered this amendment.
The government’s review of parental leave and pay is expected to run for 18 months. The review aims to assess the current system’s effectiveness and propose improvements to better support working families. The review is expected to conclude with a roadmap for potential reforms, and it is anticipated that concrete plans will not be announced until 2027.
Claire specialises in the areas of equality, diversity and inclusion, flexible working, resourcing and talent management. She has also conducted research into meaning and trust at work, age diversity, workplace carers and enterprise and has worked on a number of international projects. She is the author of several reports and articles and regularly presents at seminars and conferences.
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