§ Mr. FraserTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to reform the current provisions relating to parental leave. [135560]
§ Mr. Alan JohnsonOn 22 June I announced the terms of reference for a review of maternity pay and parental leave. This is looking at the steps needed to make sure that parents have choices to help them balance the needs of their work and their children, so that they may contribute fully to the competitiveness and productivity of the modern economy. The provision and impact of parental leave is key to this work.
Ministers working on the review have participated in a series of roundtable discussions across the English regions, Wales and Scotland. This gave over 250 individuals and organisations the opportunity to put forward their views on what is needed to change. All the comments and suggestions expressed are now being considered with the aim of publishing a consultation document before Christmas.