An inquiry has been launched by the U.K. Women and Equalities Committee (WEC) to address concerns that low use of paternity leave and shared parental leave (SPL) contributes significantly to gender inequality.
In 2023, a government evaluation identified a very low use of SPL. This is understood to be due to a variety of reasons including financial concerns, a lack of awareness, and cultural norms. We also know the SPL regime is complex in practice. Additionally, campaign group The Dad Shift has highlighted that use of SPL is substantially lower among lower-income families.
The inquiry will consider and identify potential options to improve paternity leave and SPL. The WEC has called for evidence by Jan. 31. It is specifically looking for evidence to address the following:
- Does SPL provide parents with greater choice and flexibility?
- What are the implications on equality and on the labor market in the long term?
- Why is there a low use of SPL, and what are the solutions?
- What are the inequalities in SPL use? Areas the WEC will examine include ethnicity, income, and occupation.
- Are there any potential alternatives to the current SPL model?
- What are the lessons from other countries?
It is hoped that this inquiry will raise awareness of leave options for new parents, prompt employers to put in place more effective policies that iron out some of these inequalities, and lead to better support for families. In the long term, it is anticipated that this will contribute to closing the gender pay gap and improving gender equality.
In the meantime, it is already proposed that changes will be made to paternity and family leave in the Employment Rights Bill. This includes making paternity leave a day-one right.
Elouisa Crichton is an attorney with Dentons in Glasgow, U.K. Victoria Albon is an attorney with Dentons in Milton Keynes, U.K. © 2025 Dentons. All rights reserved. Reposted with permission of Lexology.
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