Review of Parental Leave Underway

The Government has launched a full review of the existing parental leave system – and not before time! Many people, including myself, are somewhat baffled by the panoply of different and overlapping rights that presently exist.

All types of parental leave and pay will be considered as part of the present review – including maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave and pay. The idea is to look at how the system can work better for parents and employers.

Hopefully simplification of the present system will follow although ‘economic growth through labour market participation’ seems to be one of the government’s main drivers for reform.

As part of the review, the Government has launched a ‘call for evidence’, which closes on 25 August 2025. The review is expected to run for 18 months and will conclude with a set of findings and a roadmap for potential reform.