Response to consultation on parental leave and pay, September 2025

The UK’s current parental leave system does not adequately support parents or children
Date posted: 17 September 2025

UNISON response

Low levels of statutory pay are a barrier to shared parenting. Our survey of UNISON members found over three-quarters of partners took minimal or no paternity leave because it wasn't financially viable. Members reported facing pressure to return to work early because statutory pay is too low.

We need a comprehensive reform of the parental leave system so both parents can participate in early childcare, including: 

  • extending the duration of paid leave
  • increasing statutory pay levels
  • strengthening paternity and parental leave 

About the consultation

The 2025 consultation on parental leave and pay is part of the wider “Make Work Pay” agenda and Employment Rights Bill. To support our response, UNISON carried out a survey in July 2025 of 7,796 members of childbearing age who had taken maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental or neonatal leave since January 2020.

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