England | Landmark review of parental leave launched

July 10, 2025

Department for Business and Trade | The UK Government has launched a major review of the parental leave and pay system, the first of its kind in Britain.

As part of its “Plan for Change,” this review will look at how to “modernise parental leave to support families and help grow the economy.”

The review is to look at the whole system, from maternity and paternity leave to shared parental leave, to see how it can work better for parents and employers.

Right now, the system is considered by many to be complicated and to not always give families the support they need. It is believed that one-in-three dads don’t take paternity leave because they can’t afford to, and take-up of shared parental leave remains low.

Research also shows that better parental leave can help close the gender pay gap and boost the economy by billions of pounds.

The review will gather views from parents, employers, and experts across the country and will end with a roadmap for possible reforms.

— Accurate at time of publication | July 2025

Sign-up to the Barbour Monthly Newsletter

Get the latest Health, Safety and Environmental news and information – sign up for updates from Barbour EHS. Computer monitor What you’ll get:
  • Free downloads including Directors’ Briefings, legislation updates, webinars, risk assessments and more
  • VIP invites to events
  • Important industry news and updates
  • Invitations to hot topic webinars hosted by Barbour
  • Industry partner information
Subscribe to the newsletter ✉️
[ssba-buttons]

You May Also Be Interested In

Comments are closed.

✉ Sign up to the Barbour Newsletter

Free downloads, advance notice of webinars, product updates and perks – all straight to your inbox.

  • Barbour EHS may from time to time send updates about Barbour products and services. By providing your contact information you consent to being contacted for direct marketing purposes by Barbour EHS. Please ensure you review our Privacy Policy.