Written questions

Paternity Leave: Self-employed

Commons · Question 27380 · Tabled 4 Sep 2026 · Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade · Official record

Answered 11 Sep 2026

Question

Asked by Christine Jardine

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what consideration has made of improving paternity leave entitlement for self employed fathers.

Answer

Answered by Kate Dearden, 11 Sep 2026

I thank the Honourable Member for campaigning on behalf of new parents.The current parental leave and pay system was designed around employee-employer relationships, as employee parents have less flexibility over how and when they work. This may leave sel...